Saba Saba: Puzzling CCTV Footage Captures Goons' Clumsy Efforts to Break into Supermarket

• A puzzling CCTV video captured masked goons attempting to break into a supermarket in Kabati, Murang’a, during the Saba Saba protests
• The incident occurred at around 10:44am, with suspects using various techniques in an attempt to break into the supermarket for a looting spree
• Just metres away, some individuals were seen setting tyres ablaze as part of the chaos which dominated the part of Murang'a and its environs
• Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, political analyst Alfred Makotsi said violence during protests undermines their legitimacy and overshadows calls for accountability

A puzzling CCTV clip has surfaced showing a group of suspected goons struggling to break into a supermarket in Murang'a during the ongoing Saba Saba protests.

Coming amidst the unrest being witnessed in various parts of the country, a group of masked goons were captured trying to break into a supermarket in Kabati, Murang'a county.

In the viral footage shared by Inooro FM, the goons were spotted at 10:44am, using stones to smash the door of the supermarket.

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A few meters from the two goons who were trying to break the door, their counterparts were spotted starting a fire with tyres.

After the fire was started, more protesters were seen joining the efforts to open the supermarket, while banging stones against the door lock.

Were Murang'a goons successful?

A video shared by TV47 shows that the protesters' efforts to break into the supermarket were successful. A looting spree ensued, leading to the loss of goods worth millions of shillings.

After they managed to break into the store identified as County Supermarket, tens of protesters invaded it, making away with various goods.

Each of the protesters was captured walking out of the supermarket with items they had stolen.

How is the situation in Kabati, Murang'a?

Protesters stormed Kabati from the early hours of Monday for the planned Saba Saba protests.

Videos and photos from the town showed chaos taking centre stage, with most roads inaccessible due to the fires that protesters lit in several parts of the town.

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Police officers engaged the protesters in running battles as the protests intensified for the better part of Monday.

Kenyans condemn looting at County Supermarket

The CCTV footage capturing the massive looting at the supermarket has angered many Kenyans, with many calling for justice and the arrest of all those involved.

Here are some of the comments:

Carlos Resh said:

"It's what they wanted, reaping where they didn't sow: these are not demonstrators but thieves."

Boniface G. Mburu said:

"Kabati police station is within that town, I can't understand why the impact of that stone can't reach there. Something should have been done to prevent this."

Josphat Koech K said:

"All these thieves should be arrested from tomorrow and sentenced."

Awillo WN said:

"The police station is about 100 metres from there....Iko kitu hatuambiwi hapa, but you can read the script.....so sad."

Robinson Kabuti said:

"This is hooliganism. Wapigwe risasi."

Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, political analyst and governance expert Alfred Makotsi stressed that while public demonstrations are a constitutional right, the moment they turn violent or criminal, the message of justice and accountability gets lost.

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“Looting during protests dilutes the legitimacy of the cause and plays into the hands of those eager to discredit the movement. What we saw in Murang’a is not civil disobedience, it is outright theft. The state has an obligation to protect both public order and private property, and this incident calls for swift investigations and prosecutions,” he told TUKO.co.ke.

What happened on Saba Saba day?

Saba Saba marks the historic day of July 7, 1990, when Kenyans across the country staged mass protests demanding free elections and the introduction of multiparty democracy.

Every year on July 7, peaceful protests are held to commemorate the historic day when Kenyans challenged the constitution, paving the way for the formation of multiple political parties.

During the 2025 Saba Saba day, Gen-Zs have been leading an uprising to express their disapproval of William Ruto's administration.

On early Monday morning, major roads leading to the Central Business District in Nairobi were barricaded, preventing movement into and out of the town.

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Commuters were stranded, with many forced to walk long distances as vehicles were turned away.

Streets in Nairobi were eerily empty as police patrolled the city ahead of planned demonstrations.

However, speaking to the media later, DIG Gilbert Mesengeli told the press that everyone was allowed to enter the city.

"No worries. Ours is to urge everyone to keep peace and avoid trouble," he said.

Looting incident in Mwea

In other news, in Ngurubani town in Mwea, the protests intensified as youths lit bonfires, halting transport and disrupting normal activity.

The demonstrators said the fires were important in paying tribute to those who lost their lives during recent anti-government protests.

They looted a city hotel in a dramatic looting captured on video.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke