Meru police have arrested three suspects believed to be responsible for the July 7 arson attack on Magunas Supermarket.
Ian Mugambi, Abdulatif Murithi, and Teddy Kaimenyi were caught on CCTV cameras looting and setting fire to the supermarket, authorities said in a statement issued on July 13.
The suspects also broke into and stole from the nearby 7-Eleven Lounge and Selelite Supermarket during the same crime spree.
Law enforcement officers recovered a dark green motorcycle with registration number KMGN 839F, reportedly used by the suspects during the attacks.
The trio is currently in custody and undergoing processing ahead of arraignment.
Police continue to investigate and seek additional suspects connected to the incidents.
Saba Saba Looting & Damages
As protesters marched through the streets on Saba Saba to voice their frustrations, small-scale traders, who form the backbone of Kenya’s informal economy, were left to deal with the fallout from unrest they had no role in sparking.
In Murang’a County alone, businesses suffered losses surpassing Ksh500 million due to violent demonstrations in Kabati and Kenol towns.
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Among those hardest hit were Magunas Supermarkets, which even lost one branch to fire in Meru, and County Supermarket, which had four outlets looted across two counties.
Annabel Njambi, owner of County Supermarket, shared her painful experience, her voice trembling with emotion.
She revealed that her business had sustained losses totaling Ksh100 million, impacting locations in Kabati, Kenol, Kagio, and Kagumo.
“Why would a protester need to take shelves? It feels like there’s a deliberate attempt to ruin me financially. I have hired about 300 young people from the community, and now some will lose their jobs. Several branches have been damaged beyond repair and will require significant investment to reopen. What future do these young people have?” she lamented through tears.
Ruto’s stance on looters
On Wednesday, July 9, President Ruto expressed strong support for the police’s firm handling of troublemakers during the protests.
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He instructed law enforcement officers to shoot anyone caught looting or vandalizing property, emphasizing that the intention was to incapacitate rather than kill.
“We want peace and for businesses to operate without disruption. However, those who destroy and burn down others’ property must be stopped, even if that means shooting them in the legs to prevent further damage and then taking them to the hospital before they face legal action,” the president stated.
“We will not tolerate such destruction. I want to make it clear: the police should not shoot Kenyans to kill, but those caught looting must face serious consequences,” he concluded.
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