Traders along Bargain street are counting losses after a group of young men believed to be street urchins vandalized and looted their shops while staging a protest.

Ms Mary Too, a shopkeeper at bargain says she heard a commotion at around 3.00pm which she dismissed as a mere demonstration.

Shortly after, she would hear a loud bang on her shop counter as young men armed with knives and broken glass bottles demanded money from her.

“I was helpless and stood on the side calling out for help as I watched them destroy four crates of soda. They also made away with more sodas and Ksh 7,000 worth of credit,” said Ms Too.

Mary Too cleaning her shop after a group of young men looted the shop, breaking bottles of soda from her fridge on March 13, 2023.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA| MTAA WANGU

Next to her is Ms Elizabeth Njeri, an Mpesa operator who seemed visibly shaken by the incident.

She says that the group of men broke into her shop and stole Ksh 50,000 cash as well as her Mpesa phone which had a float of Ksh 30,000.

“I have reported the matter to Lion's police post,” said Ms Njeri.

Elizabeth Njeri observes the damage in her shop after a group of young men stole items from the Mpesa shop on March 13, 2023.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA| MTAA WANGU

While confirming the incident, Nakuru East Sub-County police commander, Martin Masika said the group of men are suspected to be from Bondeni area.

“The boys had congregated in the CBD protesting the death of their friend who was in Police custody after being found using cocaine. The young man died from drug induced complications," said Mr Masika.

He added that police dispersed the group from town. However, as they were retreating to Bondeni estate, some of them vandalized shops along bargain street.

"We have started investigations into the matter and will ensure all those found culpable will be brought to book," he added.

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Young men loot shops along Bargain in staged protest

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