Quickmart Speaks after Heavy Police Presence at Nairobi OTC Branch Following June 25 Protests

• Quickmart clarified that both the OTC and Ruiru branches were affected by the Gen Z protests, but confirmed that no staff, customers, or individuals were harmed
• The Kenyan government estimates protest-related business losses at KSh 3 billion daily and plans to launch a rapid response team to support affected MSMEs
• One Nairobi businesswoman, Yvonne Otieno, lost stock worth KSh 2 million during the June 25 protests

Elijah Ntongai, an editor at TUKO.co.ke, has over four years of financial, business, and technology research and reporting experience, providing insights into Kenyan, African, and global trends.

Quickmart supermarket has issued an official statement following public concern and online speculation surrounding the chaos that unfolded at its OTC branch in Nairobi on June 26, 2025.

Videos circulating online showed a heavy police presence at the outlet, with some social media users alleging that there were bodies of deceased Kenyans inside the supermarket.

These alarming claims were accompanied by images of the heavy police guard outside the premises.

Other social media users said that the heavy police presence at the outlet had stemmed from an attempted looting of the supermarket, which had been invaded the previous day during the June 25 protests that left at least 11 people dead and over 400 injured.

What did Quickmart say?

In response to the circulating reports and public anxiety, the Quickmart management released a formal statement on June 26 addressing the situation.

The retailer confirmed that two of its outlets, OTC and Ruiru, had been affected by the protests but firmly denied reports of any casualties.

“Quickmart notes that two of our branches in OTC and Ruiru were affected during yesterday’s demonstrations. 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. The safety and security of our employees, customers, and the wider community remain our top priorities,” the statement seen by TUKO.co.ke read in part.

Quickmart reiterated its commitment to the safety of its employees, customers, and the broader community, describing the incidents as a “significant challenge”.

The company also assured Kenyans that it is taking “all necessary measures” to restore normalcy and support affected staff and shoppers.

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

In the meantime, the retailer has advised customers who frequent the OTC and Ruiru branches to seek services at their nearest alternative Quickmart outlets.

Businesses affected by protests

In other news, the Kenyan government has announced plans to establish a rapid response team to assess and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the June 25, 2025, protests.

Principal Secretary Susan Mangeni said the violent demonstrations led to the closure and looting of businesses, especially in the informal sector, resulting in economic losses estimated at KSh 3 billion daily.

In response, emergency measures will include fast-tracked business registration and license renewals, insurance claim facilitation, temporary business relocation support, and the promotion of digital payments and e-commerce to enhance resilience.

Nairobi businesswoman Yvonne Otieno lost stock worth KSh 2 million during the chaos.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke