The Saba Saba protests may be over, but residents in towns like Ruiru, Githurai, Kiambu, and Kirinyaga say the nightmare hasn’t ended. Traders report that organized gangs armed with crude weapons are still roaming the streets, raiding shops, intimidating locals, and forcing early business closures—long after the demonstrations died down.
Highlights
- Traders allege gangs are being ferried into towns using buses and lorries.
- Shops in Ruiru, Githurai, and Kirinyaga are shutting early out of fear.
- Some leaders claim the threats are exaggerated or fueled by misinformation.
- Police have recovered stolen items from protest-related looting in Kiambu.
Main Story
While the streets are quieter after the Saba Saba protests, fear continues to grip residents in parts of Central Kenya. In towns like Ruiru, Githurai, and Sagana, traders say they’re under siege from gangs allegedly brought in from outside the area.
The gangs are reportedly armed with metal rods and machetes, and are accused of vandalizing property, robbing shops, and harassing passersby. Many businesses have resorted to closing hours earlier than usual, fearing another night of violence.
Several traders and local leaders in Kirinyaga claim the goons arrived in lorries and buses during the protests and never left. “They’ve taken advantage of the protest chaos to loot and instill fear,” said one business owner in Sagana, where roads were reportedly blocked, and motorists extorted.
Presidential aide Dennis Itumbi has downplayed the claims of continued goon attacks, calling them “fear-mongering” aimed at disrupting economic activity. He urged Kenyans not to fall for social media-fueled panic and to verify information before spreading it.
Meanwhile, Kiambu police say they’ve recovered some of the goods looted during the protests, and 19 suspects have been freed due to lack of evidence.
Despite government reassurances, many residents remain unconvinced. “You don’t need to believe online rumors,” said a trader in Githurai. “Just walk through the market at 7 p.m.—it’s deserted. That should tell you everything.”
The dust may have settled from the Saba Saba protests, but for many small business owners, the fear remains very real—and the road to recovery may take more than just reassurance.
