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Saba Saba: Embu turns into a ghost town as businesses shut down
07th July, 2025 02:15 PM
Embu Town has turned into a ghost town after businesses closed down in fear of being looted by infiltrators of the Saba Saba protests on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Shops, supermarkets, and open-air stalls remained shut throughout the day as traders opted to stay home, citing safety concerns. Streets that are usually full of activity are nearly empty, with only a few pedestrians braving the tense atmosphere.
The move came amid heavy police deployment across the town, with security officers patrolling key areas to deter any planned demonstrations. Officers in full anti-riot gear took strategic positions, blocking potential gathering spots.
Tension rose mid-morning when a small group of protestors attempted to assemble near the town center. Police quickly responded by lobbing teargas canisters to disperse the crowd, sending people running for safety.
“We decided to close today because you never know who might take advantage of the chaos. The losses from looting are always worse than staying home,” said Mary Muthoni, a trader in Mama Ngina in Embu town.
Tense and unpredictable
The residents described the situation as tense and unpredictable. Many chose to follow the events from home, closely monitoring updates on social.
Saba Saba Day, historically known for the 1990 push for multi-party democracy, has increasingly become a day for civil expression, often used by Kenyans to raise grievances against economic hardship, corruption, and lack of service delivery.
By afternoon, most streets remained deserted, with security teams still maintaining a strong presence.
