Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia has strongly condemned the looting and destruction of property that rocked Meru County on Saba Saba day describing them as “acts of war against the democracy of Kenya.”
Speaking during a press conference, the Governor said that the demonstrations turned into a well-planned political sabotage operation aimed at creating fear and economic instability in the region.
Meru and Maua towns were the epicenter of the violent protests leaving two people dead, several police officers injured and several businesses grounded.
Among the hardest-hit establishments were Magunas Supermarket in Makutano, 711 Club and restaurant, and Selenite Supermarket, which were either set ablaze or looted in Meru town.
“The destruction is deeply painful because over 5,000 jobs have been lost, mainly affecting the youth and vulnerable families who depend on these businesses for survival. Meru is known for peace. What happened was not a protest, it was orchestrated chaos meant to destabilize our economy and tear down what we have built together,” Governor Mutuma said.
The Meru Dairy factory, which employs over 1,400 people and generates Sh50 million in daily revenue, was also targeted but the looters were repulsed.
“I commend all the firefighters and security personnel who acted swiftly. Some were even hospitalized during the operation. Their courage saved lives,” he added.
The Governor pledged to support the affected traders in rebuilding their damaged businesses.
He urged the county security agencies to urgently identify lapses and work collaboratively to investigate and bring to book all those involved.
Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma said 103 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incidents.
“We are reviewing the CCTV footage and more arrests are expected as suspects are identified. We will hunt down the financiers and the organisers; no one will be left out,” Ouma said.
He also appealed to parents to be vigilant, warning them against allowing looted property into their homes.
“Let’s not allow chaos to define us. Meru is greater than fear and stronger than destruction. This is a time for healing — we owe it to our children and to our future,” the county commissioner said.
In a show of solidarity, religious leaders, the Hon. Speaker, and even Njuri Ncheke’s Secretary-General Josphat Murangiri have pledged their full support.
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Joseph Mungania, termed the protests “strategic looting spree.” He said the business community was ready to defend their premises against all acts of hooliganism.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Meru County leadership also condemned the violence and looting calling for action against organized anarchy.
“Burning shops, looting electronics, and attacking fellow Kenyans is not resistance — it is self-destruction. You destroy employment opportunities by destroying and looting private enterprises. This is not acceptable,” DCP County Coordinator Patrick Muriungi said.
Various leaders have called for concerted effort to avert further destruction of property.
