Traders alarmed by looting during protests in Malindi

Last week, during Gen Z protests, shops were invaded by a group of young individuals, causing extensive damage and prompting fear among residents about their safety and property security.

From the CCTV footage, a group of young people are seen invading open businesses on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, and swiftly seizing valuable merchandise.

Chaos ensued as they fought over the items, causing substantial disorder and property damage.

Fearing for their safety, alarmed business owners were forced to take cover during the raid.

Following the incident, they promptly reported the occurrence to the Malindi police station

“Siku ya jumanne mwendo wa mchana mchana kunasemekana kuna hizo mambo ya maandamano. Kuna vijana waliingia kwa duka yangu na kunipora na kuharibu vitu na hata vingine kuchukua. Nimeenda nikaripoti kwa polisi malindi wakaniandikishia OB, statement sahii wanafuatilia,”said a businessperson Moses Musa.

Similar events such as these have been observed in various regions of the country, where initially peaceful demonstrations escalated into chaos as goons took advantage of the situation to infiltrate and plunder properties.

“Mimi ni jirani wa huyu jamaa mwenye alikuwa ameporwa viatu, gesi kila kitu, ni jirani wangu wa karibu. Na hao vijana vile walikuwa wamefanya si vizuri serikali lazima ifanye mambo kwasababu hao vijana kama hawatachukuliwa hatua watafanya bado hio kitendo,”a witness Ali Hamdi stated.

Another witness Emmanuel Zaidi added, “Siku ya jumaa nne tulikuwa hapa kulikuwa na maandamano hatukujua tulikuwa tunataka kufunga, wakatu tulikuwa tunafunga watu walikuwa washafika, watu wakatuibia viatu, magesi, masabuni wkatuibia kila kitu zaidi ya laki mbili.”

Residents of Malindi have expressed concerns about their safety and the security of their property. The Police say investigations are ongoing, and they expect to gather more evidence to take action against those responsible