Quickmart Addresses Viral Claims of Bodies Found at OTC Branch After Protests

Quickmart Supermarket has strongly refuted viral online claims alleging that multiple bodies were discovered inside its OTC branch in Nairobi following the deadly protests on Wednesday, June 25.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the popular retail chain dismissed the reports as false and misleading. The supermarket confirmed that no deaths or injuries occurred at its OTC or Ruiru outlets, both of which experienced disruption during the nationwide unrest.

“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,” Quickmart stated.

The company emphasized that the safety and well-being of its employees, customers, and surrounding communities remain a top priority. It further assured Kenyans that the supermarket is taking all necessary measures to restore normal operations and maintain public confidence.

“While we recognise that the recent events have posed a significant challenge for these outlets, we want to emphasise that Quickmart is deeply committed to restoring normalcy as swiftly as possible,” the statement continued.

Quickmart added that it is actively engaging with authorities and stakeholders while supporting affected staff and customers during this period of recovery.

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

In the interim, customers who rely on the OTC and Ruiru branches are encouraged to visit the nearest operational Quickmart outlets for uninterrupted services.

The clarification from Quickmart comes in the wake of nationwide unrest, as thousands of Kenyans took to the streets to commemorate the first anniversary of the Gen Z-led protests.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed during a Thursday press briefing that at least 10 people were killed in the protests, though investigations into the final death toll and circumstances surrounding the fatalities are still ongoing.

However, human rights watchdogs, including Amnesty International, reported a higher number, placing the death toll at 16.

Murkomen also reported that the protests led to widespread destruction of public and government property, including attacks on police stations, roads, railways, electricity lines, and water infrastructure. He described the chaos as a “coordinated and politically instigated assault on national stability.”