On the morning of July 7, 2025, Annabel Njambi woke up full of hope. Her multimillion-shillings business empire, County Supermarket, was thriving and she looked forward to another day of progress.
But by evening, her business had been reduced to ruins.
The Saba Saba protests, marred by looting and violence, saw goons storm the branches of her supermarket in Kabati and Kenol towns in Murang’a County as well as in Kagio and Kagumo in Kirinyaga county.
In a single day, Njambi's 27 years of entrepreneurial toil were wiped out.
Suspected looters outside one branch of County Supermarket during Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Mwangi Muiruri | Nation Media Group
“My 27 years of hard work, determination, focus and optimism were gone in a single day, thanks to criminals who looted my businesses without any resistance from security officers,” she said in tears.
Ms Njambi estimates her losses at Sh200 million. She claims the looters appeared well-organised and even protected.
“All four branches were attacked with precision. The criminals bypassed other stores and headed straight for mine, as though pre-selected,” she said in an interview.
What makes the loss more painful, she said, is the fact that her journey began with a Sh100,000 loan to start a paraffin retail shop in Kenol. From those humble beginnings, Ms Njambi grew into a retailer, wholesaler and eventually the founder of a fast-growing self-service supermarket chain.
Driven by the desire to challenge stereotypes around women in business, she stayed rooted in her community and business philosophy.
“I built my brand around people. Our prices were kept at the bare minimum, our profit margins modest, as we aimed to make life easier for our customers,” she said.
A branch of County Supermarket before it was looted and vandalised during Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Mwangi Muiruri | Nation Media Group
The goodwill she cultivated helped her grow into a respected and trusted name in the region. And as her fortune grew, so did her generosity.
“I became the foster mother to about 200 vulnerable children, some of whom I educated abroad. I also supported many of my staff to return to school to further their education,” she said.
“My business model was like a shrine where people came to get a portion of their dreams. I took responsibility for my customers and employees alike.”
It is tragically ironic, Ms Njambi reflects, that the same people whose lives she uplifted would contribute to her downfall.
“To say I am sad is an understatement. I’m hurting. I am in tears. I pray that God renews my faith. May the tears that roll freely down my cheeks not be in vain. May the God of second chances visit me in this hour of need,” she lamented.
“I believe I was deliberately targeted. In every town, the looters ignored other businesses and made a beeline for mine. They seemed confident, purposeful, as though on a mission,” she said.
Even more shocking, she says, was her discovery of familiar faces in CCTV footage among the looters.
“One of them is a former female employee. She is seen on camera directing the mob to shelves with high-value goods. This was more than just random looting, it was a conspiracy,” Ms Njambi said.
Her greatest worry is the ripple effect the collapse of her businesses will have on the lives of others.
“Next month, children I sponsor will bring their fee structures. My employees will have no income. My suppliers expect payments. I have business and personal loans to service. It’s a full-blown crisis,” she said, while also lamenting the sudden public attention.
“Until now, I led a quiet life trading, building the economy by helping others. I have been forced to give this interview under duress. I never wanted the spotlight like this,” she said.
Members of the public outside one branch of County Supermarket which was looted during the Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Mwangi Muiruri | Nation Media Group
Meanwhile, security agencies have remained largely reactive.
"We witnessed something out of the ordinary. The Saba Saba commemorators turned to criminal activity that went on until midnight. Protests don't happen at night,” said Acting Central Region Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha.
He further said security agencies are pursuing the perpetrators of these incidents, including those who looted businesses and attacked members of the public.
Ndindi Nyoro: Government is to blame for Saba Saba violence and deaths
However, Kiharu MP Mr Ndindi Nyoro has accused the government of complicity on Saba Saba Day.
“These attacks were either executed with the government's knowledge or because its intelligence agencies are impotent. Either way, we are not amused. A government that shows no remorse while dead bodies and destroyed livelihoods define our nation should do the honourable thing — exit our lives,” he said.
