Sagana NCPB depot suffered Ksh6M loss in Saba Saba protest chaos – report
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has confirmed that the Sagana depot of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) suffered damages worth Ksh6 million following violent Saba Saba protests on Monday, July 7, 2025.
According to a statement posted on Friday, July 11, 2025, the chaos saw the looting of food commodities, mainly rice, and vandalism of office furniture and equipment. The protests, part of nationwide anti-government demonstrations, left the depot’s main offices in ruins.
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“The protests, which turned chaotic, led to the looting of food commodities, primarily rice, along with office equipment,” the ministry said. “Despite the incident, the fertilisers are still intact and none was stolen.”
Depot Manager Susan Njeri confirmed the estimated loss.
“The total estimated damage stands at a staggering Ksh6 million,” she said.
During a visit to assess the damage, the Secretary Administration, Paul Khator, was briefed by officials at the site. Security has since been tightened, and the Assistant County Commissioner for Sagana Division, Doreen Mwenda, revealed that four people have already been arrested, with 100 kilograms of rice recovered.
Despite the destruction, Paul Khator reassured farmers that the delivery of subsidised fertiliser for the upcoming Short Rains season will not be interrupted.
“This is a setback, but it will not derail our mission,” Khator said. “The government remains steadfast in protecting our food reserves and ensuring that farmers continue to receive the inputs they need on time.”
Nationwide protests spur havoc
The events in Sagana were part of wider unrest seen across the country during the Saba Saba protests. In Murang’a County alone, business leaders reported losses of over Ksh500 million, with supermarkets looted, property destroyed, and several towns affected by widespread chaos.
Some traders said goons demanded bribes from passersby, blocked roads, and looted stores, even taking shelves and trolleys.
The government has pledged to investigate those behind the violence.
“Those responsible for today’s incidents will also be investigated and charged,” said Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
Still, Khator insisted that efforts to support farmers will continue. “Achieving 100% food security remains a national priority,” he said.
Author
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a digital writer with over five years of experience. He graduated in February 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from The Co-operative University of Kenya. He has written news and feature stories for platforms such as Construction Review Online, Sports Brief, Briefly News, and Criptonizando. In 2023, he completed a course in Digital Investigation Techniques with AFP. He joined K24 Digital in May 2025. For inquiries, he can be reached at [email protected].
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