Quickmart Supermarket has firmly rejected social media claims alleging that bodies of protest victims were hidden inside its OTC and Ruiru branches during the June 25 anniversary protests. The supermarket chain issued a statement distancing itself from the disturbing allegations, which circulated widely online, sparking public concern and outrage.
According to the online speculation, some protesters who were allegedly shot by police during Wednesday’s demonstrations were secretly moved into Quickmart premises to conceal evidence of excessive force. Quickmart has described these claims as false and baseless, stating that the safety and well-being of the community remain central to its operations.
In its statement, the retailer acknowledged the impact the protests have had on operations at some of its outlets, noting that it is working to restore normalcy. The management assured the public that appropriate measures are being taken to support both customers and staff during this period of uncertainty.
“While we recognize that the recent events have posed a significant challenge for these outlets, we want to emphasize that Quickmart is deeply committed to restoring normalcy as softly as possible. We are actively engaging all necessary measures to ensure continued service excellence and to support our shoppers and staff during this time,” the statement noted.
Quickmart further reiterated its commitment to transparency and community care, promising to keep the public updated on any developments. In the meantime, customers of the affected OTC and Ruiru branches have been urged to access services at nearby alternative Quickmart locations.
The denial comes in the wake of widespread unrest that followed what began as a peaceful protest by Kenya’s Gen Z to mark the one-year anniversary of the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations. The situation quickly spiraled into violent confrontations between protesters and police, leading to extensive property damage and looting in parts of Nairobi and its outskirts.
Reports from human rights organizations indicate that the violence left at least 16 people dead and more than 400 others injured. Several businesses, including supermarkets, were targeted during the chaos, prompting security responses and a series of arrests.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the unrest, the supermarket chain has urged the public to disregard unfounded rumors and allow law enforcement and human rights bodies to carry out their work.
