Naivasha business community puts goons on notice over looting, vandalism

Naivasha business community addresses a press briefing on the aftermath of the Saba Saba protests. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

The business community in Naivasha has vowed to use all means to protect their property and deal with the goons involved in looting and vandalism.

The group vowed to identify and deal with those behind the violent demonstrations that left three shot dead, scores injured, and property worth millions of shillings looted or destroyed.

The traders who closed their businesses and converged in the central business district said they have had enough of the violent protests.

During the protests, the goons targeted three supermarkets, tens of hotels and businesses, leaving traders counting losses and scores jobless.

In a joint communique led by their secretary, David Njuguna, the traders vowed that henceforth they would not entertain violent demonstrations in the town.

Njuguna said traders have lost millions of shillings through the looting and vandalism of business premises while others have been forced to close down.

"We held a meeting and vowed that never again shall we entertain these violent demonstrations that have ended up impoverishing us," he said.

This was echoed by the community chairman Evans Chege, who said that they would work hand in hand with police to deal with the hired goons.

He claimed that the goons were ferried from other towns with directives on which businesses to loot during the demonstrations.

"We have suffered enough and we have put the goons on notice, their days are numbered and we are patiently waiting for them," he said.

A woman leader, Eunice Njambi, said that women were the most affected by the demonstrations where goons target particular traders.

Njambi called on parents whose children bring home stolen goods to reject the same.

"There are parents who are cooking using stolen items and watching news from looted TV sets and this is where the problem starts," she said.

Naivasha East MCA Stanley Karanja welcomed peaceful demonstrations, saying that henceforth, there will be no blocking of roads using bonfires and stones.

"The demonstrations will start and end with prayers and pass through identified streets and anyone going against this will be dealt with," he said.

During the July 7, 2025 demonstration, eight people sustained gunshot wounds, three died, while scores were injured, including four police officers.