The proprietor of Nice Digital Mwea, Njiru Mkombozi, is counting heavy losses after a violent attack on his business complex in Ngurubani, Kirinyaga County during the Saba Saba protests. The assault, which unfolded on July 7, left property worth Sh50 million destroyed and over 1,000 workers jobless.
According to Mkombozi, the chaos began around 9:00 a.m. when a large group of violent youths descended on the complex. They smashed windows and doors, prompting an immediate response from police officers. For nearly two hours, the goons engaged police in running battles, eventually overwhelming the officers at around 11:00 a.m.
“They were so many and they were very violent. Police officers exhausted all the tear gas they had and were chased away. That’s when the youths accessed my businesses,” said Mkombozi.
Once inside, the attackers looted items from Nice Supermarket and stormed one of the three hotels on the premises. There, they consumed prepared meals including goat meat, chicken, and beef, before reinforcements from Nairobi arrived and repelled them.
The intervention of a special police squad likely prevented further destruction. “Were it not for the special squad, my entire business worth around Sh2 billion would have gone up in flames,” Mkombozi stated.
Having recently secured a Sh50 million loan to restock his business, Mkombozi now faces the daunting task of seeking additional funds for repairs and recovery. He lamented the impact on the local economy and urged traders to unite in protecting their investments during protests.
“This business employs people from the local community. Why destroy it?” he questioned. “I was once a village boy myself. You don’t need to steal to succeed.”
Tebere MCA Peter Karinga condemned the attack, alleging that most of the perpetrators were outsiders. “We will not allow this to happen again,” he said, warning that future attempts to target local businesses would be met with resistance.
Police have since arrested 30 suspects who will be charged with robbery with violence. Mkombozi also hinted at possible business rivalry behind the orchestrated attack.
