Photos of the supposedly revamped Meru branch of Magunas Supermarket, which was set on fire during the Saba Saba protests, have been circulating online, showing what seems to be a fully renovated and freshly painted building.
The photos of a polished three-storeyed building branded with Magunas colors went viral on Saturday, with some celebrating the apparent revamp.
However, a fact-check done by The Kenya Times reveals that the photo was originally posted in 2016 by a Facebook account named Magunas Meru.
According to sources in Meru Town, renovation works at the supermarket are still ongoing, with only a section of the store restored as of Saturday.
Additionally, information circulating online shows that the supermarket is set to reopen soon and resume full operations, offering much-needed relief to the many individuals who depended on it for their livelihoods before the devastating fire incident.
Magunas Supermarket was set ablaze on July 7 during the Saba Saba demonstrations, when rowdy protesters attacked and looted several businesses in Meru town.
According to police reports, three suspects — Ian Mugambi, Abdulatif Murithi, and Teddy Kaimenyi — were captured on CCTV footage looting and setting fire to the supermarket.
The suspects also allegedly broke into the nearby 7-Eleven Lounge and Selelite Supermarket during the same crime spree.
Reactions From Kenyans
Kenyans have expressed their joy and excitement over the latest developments in the supermarket’s revamp.
Many have congratulated founder Simon Wachira for his resilience and determination to forge ahead.
Julius Kamau took to social media, praising the supermarket’s revival as a major boost for livelihoods.
“Magunas Supermarket is coming back stronger than ever after being burned down by government goons during the Saba Saba protests. The owner has rebuilt, restructured, and rebranded from scratch. This is a commendable move,” he posted.
“The supermarket was a vital source of livelihood and income for many people. Its comeback is truly welcome.”
Peter Makori wrote:
“One month after the Meru branch of Magunas Supermarket was set ablaze during the Saba Saba protests, owner Simon Wachira has begun its renovation — a project costing over KSh 25 million.
The rebuilding comes as a beacon of hope, with more than 300 people expected to benefit from direct and indirect employment once operations resume.”
Also Read: Story of Simon Wachira From Hawker to Owning Magunas Supermarket and Nokras Hotel
Owner of Magunas Supermarket
Businessman Simon Wachira owns Magunas Supermarket, Nokras Riverine Hotel, Kilele Mall in Kenol and Nokras Hotel both in Murang’a County.
In a past interview, Wachira narrated how he rose from being a hawker to owning a business empire trading under Maguna Andu Wholesalers.
Wachira started hawking in Mukuyu market in the 1980s. Afterwards, he opened a retail shop in Mukuyu township in 1990.
Later, he then proceeded to start Maguna Andu Wholesalers.
Also Read: Police Arrest Suspects Who Looted & Torched Magunas Supermarket
Simon Wachira Opens Magunas Supermarkets
His business grew further, and he opened Magunas Supermarkets using the profits he made from his wholesale business.
The first branch was at the Kwa Maji area in Murang’a, which is now known as Magunas Stage. The Supermarket has since grown with four branches in Nyeri, Meru, Kitui and Nairobi.
It has two branches in the City County at Kahawa Wendani and Utawala. The Kitui branch was started in 2016 and broke the monopoly of Naivas within the county.
The supermarket also delivers goods to its customers in Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Laikipia.
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