Meru governor declares violent protests economic, political sabotage

Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma has termed Saba Saba protests as economic and political sabotage.

Speaking after touring areas where goons looted and razed business premises, Governor Mutuma said the actions were attempts to economically cripple the local economy.

He noted that more than 5,000 jobs have been lost in the aftermath of the destructive protests.

“Jobs that belong mostly to our youth and vulnerable families. These are not just statistics; they are lives and futures interrupted,” he lamented.

The governor was accompanied by Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma, County Police Commander Steve Oloo and County Assembly Speaker Ayub Bundi.

He said the demonstrations were not peaceful but deliberate criminal acts.

“The events of July 7 were not peaceful protests. They were deliberate acts of criminality and political sabotage designed to destabilise our economy, create fear and punish the good name of Meru County,” Mutuma said.

A section of leaders claimed that the attacks on Magunas Supermarket and other major establishments were designed to cause conflict between the locals and investors.

The governor emphasized that the Meru were known for hard work, respect and peaceful coexistence.

He said the county suffered major loss, when Magunas Supermarket at Makutano was looted and set ablaze, while  Selenite Supermarket, 711 restaurant-cum bar and Bei Sawa supermarket were looted and vandalized.

Mr Ouma revealed that 103 suspects are in custody, some arrested for damaging roads and looting.

“We are positive that when we look at the CCTV cameras in various areas, particularly in Makutano we will arrest looters. We are not going to let criminals who are being misused by people to threaten our people and paralyse businesses,” said Ouma.

Former Meru County Development and Investment Corporation (MCDIC) Chairperson Felicity Biriri and North Imenti politician Carol Muriuki condemned the destruction of business premises saying it amounted to lost job opportunities, one of the demands presented by the jobless youthful protesters.

Ms Biriri and Ms Muriuki joined other leaders in condemning the attack on Magunas and destruction of infrastructure in Makutano, Maua and other parts of Meru.

"The destruction and losses endured are truly heartbreaking. I particularly condemn the heinous act of burning down Magunas Makutano, a three-story building filled with goods. This was not merely an act of protest; it was wanton destruction of property that has caused immense financial damage and disrupted the livelihoods of many. Such evil has no place in our society," Biriri said.

"My heart goes out to all the workers who are now jobless due to this senseless violence. The sudden loss of income and the uncertainty about their future is a heavy burden to bear. Meru's economy, and the lives of its hardworking people, have been dealt a severe blow," she added.

Biriri said the situation calls for urgent intervention of Meru leaders to support the affected traders and ensure justice is served and to prevent such incidents in future. 

"The people of Meru deserve strong, decisive leadership in these trying times. To the entire business community across Kenya, my deepest sympathies go out to you during these incredibly challenging times. The recent protests and associated disruptions have inflicted significant losses, from shuttered shops and halted operations to the outright destruction of property and merchandise," she said.

Biriri said the economic impact of the violent protests is profound, affecting not just the big corporations but also the small and medium enterprises and Kenyans whose livelihoods depends on a stable and functioning economy.

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Meru Coordinator Patrick Muriungi whose restaurant and chemist were raided at Avenue Mall said the attacks were unfortunate.

“This was not actually a normal protest. Rather it was an organized anarchy, thuggery driven by opportunists who took advantage of the situation to inflict pain on innocent citizens and businesses,” Muriungi said.