Tension has gripped Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) after suspected goons broke into several shops and embarked on a looting spree.
Footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed the looters making away with stolen goods, with others destroying property.
The incidents happened as the news of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga grabbed national and international headlines.
In the clips, the looters are also seen with twigs as Kenyans across several areas of the country poured into the streets to mourn Raila’s death.
Other videos showed mourners flocking into Jeevanjee Gardens on boda bodas, singing songs praising Raila and chants of mourning the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader.
After the news of Raila’s death broke out, several shops started closing, as shop owners became wary of potential violence and chaos in the busy city center.
Police officers were yet to respond to the looters, as business owners and commuters raised alarm over potential losses, destruction of property and safety risks.
Raila passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in India, where he had gone to seek treatment.
After his death, hundreds of Kenyans trooped to Raila's residence in Bondo, marching with green leaves along roads and streets, bringing businesses and transport activities in the town to a halt.
In Kisumu, the situation was no different; businesspeople in Kisumu CBD voluntarily closed all business activities to mourn Raila. Wailing supporters led by hundreds of boda boda riders flooded the streets of Kisumu using motorcycles and whistles.
The residents, describing Raila as their hero, called on the government to suspend all state activities in his honour.
In Kibera, which Raila once represented during his tenure as Kibra MP, residents poured into the streets, wailing and chanting to mourn his death.
At Odinga's Karen home, supporters flooded his home wailing and emphasising the importance of coming together to honour the former Prime Minister, who was widely celebrated for championing peace and national unity.
In an address to the nation following Raila's death, President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning to honour the popular national leader.
