Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has weighed in on the pronounced closure of Naivas and Carrefour supermarkets by the Nairobi City County Health Committee.  

Issuing a statement where he was responding to another statement issued by Naivas Supermarket on the closure  Babu expressed disappointment with the directive accusing Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja of intimidating business owners. 

He vehemently condemned the county government adding that allegations of failed extortion and false claims about expired goods point to a serious rot at City Hall.

“It’s deeply troubling to see reports of Nairobi County Governor intimidating business owners, including the recent incident involving Naivas Supermarket. 

“Allegations of failed extortion and false claims about expired goods point to a serious rot at City Hall. This kind of corruption is unacceptable and must be confronted head-on,” he said. 

In their statement, Naivas dismissed the directive by the Nairobi county government insisting that the claims of selling expired products were false, misleading and harmful to their brand and customer base. 

The leading store equally disclosed that all their outlets remained fully operational and compliant with the the Ministry of Health, and other regulatory bodies. 

“We would like to reassure our customers, partners, and the general public that no expired products have been found on our shelves. We maintain stringent internal quality control and stock management systems across all our branches to ensure product safety and compliance with health regulations,” the statement read in part.

“The circulating claims are entirely false. They not only damage our brand but also mislead and cause unnecessary panic among our customers who depend on us for daily essentials. Naivas has a very strict anti-bribery and corruption policy and will not submit to extortionary tactics,” the statement added. 

Consequently, the supermarket chain threatened legal action against the individuals and organizations responsible for the circulating misinformation.