Millions lost, as dazed traders watch looters have freehand

By Joseph Murimi

Some sobbed as they watched their investments worth millions brought down in a flash. Others laughed in an inebriated stupor sparked by the free flowing alcohol, looted or given out by dazed proprietors.

And others were pondering their fate as they stared joblessness in the face as their work places were being flattened. Yet others had no clue what made them sit in traffic for hours on end.

Such was the mix of emotions along Thika Road, on Saturday morning, when Ministry of Roads bulldozers came calling at the crack of dawn.

A police officer keeps vigil as Nakumatt Supermaket, Thika Road branch, is reduced to rubbles. Photo Stafford Ondego/Standard

They first struck at the Nakumatt Thika Road branch, a mega store that was fully stocked at the time.

At what used to be the entrance, a huge elephant stature lay prostrate on the concrete rumble — an ominous sign that the supermarket had come tumbling down, literally.

A few steps, Patrick Oundo, a watchman was feasting on chicken with the other hand holding a can of beer. He had been guarding the Kenol Petrol Station before the bulldozers started demolishing the Vision Bar and Restaurant within the same plot.

As the owner was salvaging what he could, Oundo helped himself to a chicken that was in the fridge.

"Kazi imeisha. Sasa ni kijibebea and tumbo,’’ (I am now jobless. The least I can do is to fill my stomach)

Scores of other youths were drinking themselves silly after the proprietor, Mr Henry Muriithi, allowed them to drink on condition they do not cart away the bottles and crates.

Last night, Muriithi had invited Tony Nyadundo of Ohangla fame to entertain his customers and displayed a huge banner announcing the musical fiesta.

But his colourful bar was at the mercy of a huge bulldozer. He had pleaded with the officials to give the demolition a human face, by allowing them to remove valuables.

Despite a heavy police presence, youths still managed to loot foodstuff, including raw meat. Beer and soft drinks were in high demand.

The next bar, Blue Springs, was invaded by a gang of about 100 youths, who helped themselves to the drinks.

Police maintained tight security around Nakumatt, and kept a huge crowd at bay.

A lorry crying beer was almost hijacked by the ‘thirsty’ youths, who were waiting for the slightest opportunity to loot property.

A senior Administration Police officer, Mr Rashid Hilolwe, said only one person was arrested as he attempted to steal from the supermarket.

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