Quickmart Denies Fatalities At Nairobi Branches During June 25 Protests

Quickmart supermarket has strongly denied claims that several people were killed at one of its Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) establishments during the intense June 25 protests.

In a statement released on Thursday, Quickmart confirmed that two of its branches, specifically OTC in Nairobi CBD and another in Ruiru, had experienced break-ins and property damage. However, the supermarket explicitly stated that no casualties or fatalities were reported in the fracas at either location.

The clarification came amidst widespread and alarming online reports, fueled by images of police officers surrounding the OTC branch in downtown Nairobi, suggesting that bodies were being collected from the premises. These reports had sparked fears among the public that staff or customers might have been injured during the chaos. Quickmart moved swiftly to reassure the public, emphasizing that the security of its staff, customers, and the community remains its top priority.

“Quickmart notes that two of our branches in OTC and Ruiru were affected during yesterday’s demonstrations,” the statement read. “Contrary to misleading information circulating on digital platforms, we wish to assure the public that no staff, customers, or any other individuals were injured or deceased at the two outlets.”

As a result of the break-ins, Quickmart stated that all necessary measures were being taken to resume services swiftly, appealing for the understanding and support of its shoppers and staff. Customers of the affected branches were advised to utilize their nearest alternative Quickmart branches in the interim.

This denial from Quickmart follows earlier concerns raised by popular activist Hanifa Adan, who decried receiving multiple messages from concerned protestors near the OTC branch. “What’s going on at Quickmart? Goodness,” she wrote on X, accompanying her post with screenshots of messages. In these screenshots, protestors relayed fears of a potential cover-up of bodies at the branch, claiming police officers rapidly dispersed them from the scene. One protestor even alleged that at least 30 bodies were being retrieved from the premises and that they had been barred from entering.

The clarification from Quickmart comes just hours after Amnesty International Kenya confirmed at least 16 fatalities nationwide from the June 25 commemorative protests, which marked the one-year anniversary of the 2024 anti-finance bill demonstrations.

Who broke into Quickmart OTC? Video surfaces showing police and goons around looted supermarket

There has been a concerted effort to slander Kenyans who decided to exercise their constitutional rights and the biggest way this has been pulled off has been by law enforcement officers linking protesters to the break in and looting that took place at the Quickmart OTC branch.

A new video has surfaced, however, that shows a contrary piece of evidence to what was being said by the police charged with investigating the matter. From what was captured on screen by members of the media, the OTC branch was surrounded by the very looters that were revealed to be in league with police officers.

And as if that weren’t damning enough, the video also captures police officers first seeming to parlay with the criminal gangs before leaving them to their designs which inevitably led to the supermarket chain getting absolutely gutted.

Quickmart Denies Claims of Bodies Found at OTC Branch During June 25 Protests

Quickmart Supermarket has firmly denied viral social media reports alleging that multiple bodies were found inside its OTC branch in Nairobi following the deadly June 25 protests.

In a statement released on Thursday, the retail chain dismissed the rumors as “false and misleading,” clarifying that no deaths or injuries occurred at either its OTC or Ruiru outlets—both of which experienced disruptions during the nationwide unrest.

“Contrary to the misleading information circulating on digital platforms, we wish to assure the public that no staff, customers, or any other individuals were injured or deceased at the two outlets,” the company said.

Quickmart emphasized that the safety and well-being of its employees, customers, and surrounding communities remains a top priority. The supermarket also assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to restore normal operations and public confidence.

“While we recognize that the recent events have posed a significant challenge for these outlets, we want to emphasize that Quickmart is deeply committed to restoring normalcy as swiftly as possible,” the statement continued.

The supermarket further noted that it is engaging authorities and stakeholders while supporting affected staff and customers during the recovery period.

“Quickmart remains dedicated to caring for our community and will continue to keep the public informed as we work towards stability and recovery.”

In the meantime, the retailer encouraged customers who typically frequent the OTC and Ruiru locations to utilize nearby operational branches for continued service.

Protests Turn Deadly

Quickmart’s clarification comes amid mounting confusion and grief following nationwide protests marking the first anniversary of the Gen Z-led movement against police brutality and government excesses.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, during a Thursday press briefing, confirmed that at least 10 people had died in the protests. Investigations into the full extent of the casualties and circumstances surrounding the deaths remain ongoing.

However, rights groups including Amnesty International have reported a higher death toll, placing the number of fatalities at 16.

Murkomen also revealed that the protests resulted in widespread destruction of public infrastructure, including attacks on police stations, railways, roads, electricity lines, and water systems. He described the chaos as a “coordinated and politically instigated assault on national stability.”

As the country grapples with the aftermath of the protests, Quickmart’s statement aims to dispel misinformation and reassure the public amid growing tension and uncertainty.