The serene hills of Mount Kenya, once synonymous with pastoral tranquility and bustling commerce, have transformed into theaters of unprecedented violence and destruction.
What was traditionally Kenya’s economic heartland has become ground zero for politically-charged chaos that has left communities reeling and businesses in ruins.
The aftermath of Monday’s Saba Saba protests painted a grim picture across the Mount Kenya region.
Towns that had only witnessed minor disturbances over local issues like illicit liquor or development concerns now bore the scars of widespread destruction.
From Makutano in Meru to Ol Kalou in Nyandarua, the landscape of peace had been replaced by smoldering remains of what were once thriving enterprises.
In Murang’a County alone, Annabel Njambi’s County Supermarket chain suffered losses exceeding Sh200 million as four branches were systematically looted.
The destruction wasn’t random – it was calculated, targeting specific businesses across multiple locations simultaneously.
“The gangs must have been sponsored,” Njambi observed, noting the coordinated nature of the attacks.
The violence extended beyond individual businesses.
In Ol Kalou, 26 vehicles and motorcycles were torched alongside government buildings, with property damage estimated at Sh200 million.
The town’s transformation from a symbol of agricultural prosperity to a battleground represents the broader crisis engulfing the region.
A region under siege
The scope of destruction spans across nine counties – Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Nyeri, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Kiambu.
Towns like Nyahururu, Nanyuki, Karatina, Ngurubani, Sagana, and Thika have all experienced varying degrees of mayhem, marking a dramatic departure from their historical stability.
Political analyst Professor Peter Kagwanja captured the gravity of the situation: “People in Mt Kenya used to protest against illicit alcohol and illegal dumping. These were causes aimed at improving their well-being. We are now witnessing the destruction of property, battles with police, looting and even murder.”
The transformation is particularly striking given the region’s economic significance.
Mount Kenya contributes over 66 percent of Kenya’s GDP, according to political leaders, making the targeted destruction not just a regional crisis but a national economic emergency.
Political undercurrents
Behind the flames and debris lies a complex web of political maneuvering that experts believe is reshaping the region’s identity.
The protests have exposed deep-seated frustrations about political representation and economic marginalization that go beyond immediate grievances.
Professor Fred Ogola argues that the unrest stems from perceptions that Mount Kenya has been sidelined from power corridors.
“Mt Kenya people do not see themselves as ‘others.’ Economically, culturally, and historically, they view themselves as the backbone of the country,” he explained, referring to the region’s resistance to being grouped among marginalized communities.
The timing, coinciding with the 2027 election preparations, has raised questions about the organic nature of the protests.
Political analyst Macharia Njeru warns that the violence may be a calculated attempt to weaken the region ahead of the polls: “Mt Kenya should not agree to be incited and be separated from other communities because we cannot survive on our own.”
Blame game and accusations
The aftermath has witnessed an intense blame game among political leaders. MPs allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have accused the government of orchestrating the violence, claiming goons were deployed systematically to target Mount Kenya businesses.
They’ve called for International Criminal Court investigations, alleging state-sponsored economic sabotage.
Conversely, government-aligned leaders point fingers at opposition politicians, particularly Gachagua’s faction, for financing the destruction.
The accusations have created a toxic political environment where genuine grievances risk being overshadowed by partisan positioning.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and his colleagues claimed that goons were “procured through MPs and sent to different zones where they were not known by the locals,” suggesting a coordinated campaign to destabilize the region economically.
The economic implications extend far beyond immediate property losses.
Rwathia Distributors Director Kanene Kabiru described the region as being “economically crucified by a political elite in disarray.”
The destruction of supermarkets, shops, and infrastructure has left thousands without employment and disrupted supply chains that serve millions.
Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui’s warning resonates deeply: “We cannot sacrifice our businesses and terminate jobs to protest the cost of living—doing so only worsens the problem.”
The irony is stark – a region protesting economic hardship has effectively sabotaged its own economic foundation.
The current crisis evokes memories of past upheavals, but with crucial differences.
Political analyst Ayub Mwangi noted that while Mount Kenya has historically been a “protest zone,” the current wave represents an escalation in both scale and destructiveness.
The reference to Nyahururu’s history of political defiance, where protesters once used bees as weapons against security forces, provides context for the region’s resistance culture.
However, the current destruction targets the very infrastructure that sustains local communities.
As the region grapples with the aftermath, calls for dialogue and reconciliation are growing.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has characterized the crisis as “a failure of leadership,” proposing that institutions be held accountable and those responsible for violence face justice.
The challenge lies in separating legitimate grievances from political manipulation.
While genuine concerns about economic inclusion and political representation deserve attention, the destruction of the region’s economic base serves no constructive purpose.
Mount Kenya’s transformation from a haven of peace to a hotbed of destruction represents more than a regional crisis – it’s a national emergency that threatens Kenya’s economic stability and social cohesion.
The region that once prided itself on industriousness and commerce now faces the monumental task of rebuilding not just its physical infrastructure, but its social fabric and political trust.
As the smoke clears and the real cost of the violence becomes apparent, the question remains: Will Mount Kenya rise from these ashes stronger and more united, or will it remain trapped in a cycle of destruction that serves only to perpetuate the very problems it seeks to address?
The answer lies not in the hands of politicians alone, but in the collective wisdom of a people who must choose between the temporary satisfaction of destruction and the lasting benefits of constructive engagement. The hills of Mount Kenya have witnessed many chapters in Kenya’s history – this latest chapter remains unwritten, and its conclusion depends on the choices made in the coming days and months.
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*This story is based on reports from multiple sources and ongoing investigations into the events of July 7, 2025, and their aftermath.*
Investigations5 days ago
Investigations1 week ago