A court in Nanyuki has charged 36 individuals with breaking into Chieni Supermarket with intent to commit a felony, in violation of Section 307 of the Penal Code. The incident occurred on June 25, 2024, in Nanyuki Township, Laikipia East Sub-County, Laikipia County, during a demonstration related to the Finance Bill.
Prosecutor Peter Gitumu informed Senior Resident Magistrate Masivo that the accused, along with others, unlawfully entered Chieni Supermarket with the intent to steal. The accused individuals pleaded not guilty to the charges. Each was granted bail set at either Sh200,000 or a cash alternative of Sh100,000.
Prior to this legal action, Kieni MP Wanaina Njoroge, who is also a businessman, reported losses exceeding Sh550 million at his supermarket in Nyeri during the same incident. The protesters, expressing discontent with the Finance Bill 2024 and targeting supporters like MP Njoroge, also set fire to a section of the supermarket and looted stock and equipment.
“I lost movable stock worth Sh450 million and equipment such as bakery shelves, among others, valued at Sh100 million,” the MP told the Standard.
Njoroge, who operates a supermarket chain in the Mt Kenya region, said the looted Nyeri branch employed over 350 people.
He was one of several MPs whose houses and offices were raided by irate protesters on Tuesday.
