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A small-scale trader in Kisumu is struggling to recover after her soft drinks business was disrupted on Monday when youths attending a government event allegedly looted her stock at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.
Mellen Amol, who earns her livelihood selling soft drinks, was among many vendors operating at the stadium during the launch of the NYOTA Project, which was officiated by President William Ruto.
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What she expected to be a profitable day quickly turned into distress when a group of youths reportedly descended on her stall, seized her products and consumed them without making any payment.
A video showing Amol in tears as she narrated the ordeal later circulated widely on social media, triggering public anger and renewed concern over the safety of small traders during political rallies and major public functions.
“I arrived early hoping to make some money for my family,” Amol said. “Business was good at first, but suddenly youths surrounded me, took all the drinks and even my money. I was too scared to resist.”
Amol said the soft drinks had been obtained on credit from a distributor, leaving her in a difficult financial situation after losing her entire stock.
“When I go back, the distributor will still want their money,” she said, adding that she is unsure how she will repay the debt.
The incident happened as thousands of people flocked to the stadium for the NYOTA launch, with several vendors later reporting harassment and theft amid the chaos that followed the President’s departure.
Following the viral video, Kondele MCA Joachim Oketch intervened, inviting Amol to his office and offering financial support to help her restart her business. Oketch, who has expressed interest in the Kisumu Central parliamentary seat in 2027, said the incident was unacceptable.
“These women support our communities during public events and struggle daily to earn an honest living. They deserve protection, not violence,” he said.
The MCA noted that he was deeply moved by the video and felt compelled to act after learning that Amol had lost everything she invested.
He also urged security agencies to strengthen measures to protect traders during large gatherings, saying the incident exposed serious weaknesses in crowd management.
“We had police officers at the venue, yet traders were looted in broad daylight. This is not the first time such incidents have occurred in Kisumu, and it must stop,” Oketch said.
Amol thanked Oketch for the assistance, saying it gave her hope after a traumatic experience.
“I was confused and stressed after losing everything,” she said. “I’m grateful for the support. It will help me get back on my feet.”
She also appealed to leaders and authorities to ensure better protection for traders at future events, saying they only seek to work peacefully and return home safely.
