Co-operative Bank has confirmed that two of its branches, in Githurai and
Dagoretti Market, were affected during Wednesday’s anti-Finance Bill protests
that swept across parts of Nairobi and other major towns.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the bank
reported that one ATM machine at the Githurai branch was forcefully tampered
with during the unrest.
Preliminary reports indicated that cash, allegedly amounting to over Sh1
million, may have been looted in the incident.
However, the bank clarified that the actual cash
loss was minimal, and no injuries were reported among staff or customers at
either location.
"Repairs have commenced immediately, and
both branches will be fully operational in the coming days," the bank
assured.
Customers from the affected branches have been
advised to access services at the nearest Co-op Bank outlets or through mobile
and online platforms.
The incident occurred on a day marked by
widespread demonstrations organized largely by Kenya’s youth, popularly
referred to as Gen Z.
Gen Z protesters took to the streets on June
25 to commemorate those who were killed during last year’s anti-Finance Bill
2024 demonstrations.
The day marked exactly one year since the
tragic deaths of young Kenyans who were demanding economic justice.
Protesters held vigils, carried placards with
victims’ names, and called for accountability.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets in
Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and other towns, demanding the
immediate withdrawal of the bill.
The protests were largely peaceful in most
areas but were marred by incidents of looting, vandalism, and clashes with
police in parts of Nairobi, including Githurai.
Security agencies have since launched
investigations into the disturbances, including the tampering of the Co-op Bank
ATM.
Cooperative Bank has assured its customers that safety
remains a top priority and that all necessary measures are being taken to
ensure continued service.
