The aftermath of any significant public demonstration often leaves a trail of both physical disruption and informational uncertainty. In Nairobi, the intense June 25, 2025 protests, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, descended into chaos, leaving a landscape of wrecked shops, looted supermarkets, and stranded traders. Yet, amidst the visible destruction, a particularly disturbing narrative began to ripple across social media, specifically targeting one prominent retail outlet: Quickmart's branch in Nairobi's bustling OTC area.
Online platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), buzzed with urgent queries and chilling allegations. Passersby and concerned citizens alike questioned the unusually tight security maintained around the Quickmart OTC outlet in the days following the unrest. "What is happening at Quickmart OTC?" many inquired, their questions quickly escalating into grave suspicions. Whispers of "dead bodies" hidden within the premises circulated wildly, fueling fears of a potential government cover-up, especially in light of reports that authorities had ordered media stations to halt live coverage during the protests. The air was thick with anxiety and distrust, as screenshots from concerned protestors, shared by prominent activist Hanifa Adan, painted a grim picture of police rapidly dispersing onlookers from the scene, allegedly to prevent them from witnessing a grim recovery operation. One particularly alarming claim from a protestor suggested that as many as 30 bodies were being retrieved from the supermarket, with individuals being barred from entry.
These unverified, yet rapidly spreading, reports were amplified by the broader context of fatalities confirmed by human rights organizations. Amnesty International Kenya, for instance, had just hours prior confirmed that at least 16 fatalities had been reported countrywide from the June 25 commemorative protests, adding a layer of tragic reality to the public's heightened state of alarm. The combination of visible damage, heavy police presence, and the recent confirmation of protest-related deaths created a fertile ground for such harrowing rumors to take root and spread like wildfire.
In response to the escalating online frenzy and palpable public concern, Quickmart Supermarket moved swiftly to issue a comprehensive denial. In a statement released on Thursday, the retail chain firmly refuted the claims of casualties at its Nairobi CBD establishments. Quickmart confirmed that two of its branches, the one at OTC and another in Ruiru, had indeed been broken into and looted during the chaos. However, the supermarket emphatically stated that "no casualties were reported in the fracas."
"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 statement read, directly addressing the core of the alarming rumors. Quickmart underscored its commitment to the safety and security of its staff, customers, and the community as its top priority, aiming to quell fears and provide official reassurance.
As a result of the break-ins, Quickmart affirmed that all necessary measures were being taken to resume services swiftly, appealing for the understanding and support of its shoppers and staff during this challenging period. Customers of the affected branches were advised to utilize alternative Quickmart locations until normalcy could be restored. The Quickmart incident serves as a poignant illustration of the challenges faced by both institutions and the public in navigating information during times of crisis. In the absence of immediate, comprehensive official communication, social media often fills the void, sometimes with critical insights, but also with unverified and deeply unsettling rumors.
