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Kieni MP Wainaina Njoroge is making a heartfelt plea for the return of goods stolen from his supermarket during recent protests.
The MP has expressed deep frustration over the situation, particularly because he had previously provided significant aid to the very people now involved in the looting.
On June 25, 2024, during protests against a controversial Finance Bill, a group of protesters targeted Njoroge’s supermarket in Nyeri.
The group stole various items and set part of the building on fire, causing extensive damage. In a recent statement, Njoroge revealed that his once-thriving supermarket and five-storey building were severely damaged. He said,
"I slept as a millionaire but woke up a poor man."
Njoroge's supermarket was not only a place where people could buy essential items, but it was also a symbol of his success and hard work.
He described the devastating impact of the fire, stating that his valuable assets, including refrigerators, cookers, and washing machines, were taken by the protesters. "These items are now in the homes of people in the area," he lamented.
The MP's plea is not just about recovering stolen property but also about addressing the betrayal he feels from those he has previously helped. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Njoroge contributed significantly to his community by distributing food and other essentials to those in need.
He mentioned, "I helped them during COVID-19. I filled three lorries with flour and distributed it to people who were struggling. Now, the same people who received my help are the ones who burned down my property."
Despite the extensive damage and losses estimated at around Sh550 million, Njoroge has chosen not to involve the police. Instead, he is making a direct appeal to the community, asking for the return of his stolen goods.
He hopes that by doing this, he can restore some
sense of justice and moral integrity. "If it’s possible, I don’t want to involve the police," he said. "Just tell them to return my things, and if they do that, it will show that Christianity is better than it is now."
Njoroge's losses include stock worth Sh450 million and equipment like bakery shelves valued at approximately Sh100 million. Despite the financial setback, he stands by his decision to support the Finance Bill.
He argues that his vote was in the best interest of his constituents, who benefit from the bill in their agricultural activities.
"I voted in support of the Bill because the people of Kieni stand to benefit from it. Our area is an agricultural zone where people farm onions, potatoes, eggs, and milk,” he explained.
Similar incidents of property destruction and financial losses have been reported in other areas, including Eldoret, where traders suffered losses exceeding Sh500 million.
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