A second body was found on Tuesday in the debris of a mall that was burnt down in Nairobi during the anti-tax demonstrations. This discovery comes almost a week after the Sunbeam Shopping Complex along Mfangano Street was razed by fire.
An official at the complex told police they were clearing the debris from the June 25 incident when they found a burnt human body. Police stated that the body was badly burnt and decomposing when discovered on July 2. Authorities visited the scene, confirmed the discovery, and moved the body to the City Mortuary for DNA analysis and preservation.
The first body, identified as 56-year-old Mathew Njoroge, was found in the debris of the mall on Thursday, June 27, two days after the Sunbeam Shopping Complex was destroyed during the chaos. The management discovered Njoroge’s body while sifting through the debris.
It is believed that the six-story building was set on fire by looters who invaded it. The fire was exacerbated by police who lobbed tear gas canisters into the building to force out the looters on June 25. The Sunbeam Shopping Complex is among numerous buildings attacked and looted by mobs participating in protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
President William Ruto later declined to sign the bill and sent it back to the House. Several properties were attacked and looted in the chaos. Subsequent protests have been infiltrated by criminals, worsening the situation by attacking and robbing property.
At least 40 people have been killed during the turmoil. Some protesters breached the Parliament Building’s perimeter wall and occupied the House. Many business owners in the city lost property worth billions.
Security agencies are investigating the incidents. In addition to Parliament, City Hall and the Supreme Court were also breached and vandalized.
