Annabel Wanjiku Njambi is a name that, until recently, was quietly revered in Central Kenya’s business circles.
The owner of the now-vandalized County Supermarket branches in Kirinyaga and Murang’a, Njambi built a multi-million-shilling retail empire from humble beginnings, transforming from a small-scale paraffin seller to the founder of one of the largest self-service supermarket chains in the region.
But how did she rise to such success, and what led to the devastating downfall of her life’s work? This is her journey as told by WOK:
Humble Beginnings
Annabel’s journey began when she took a sh 100,000 loan and started a paraffin shop in Kenol, Murang’a County. From there, she grew her business into a retailer and wholesaler, and later founded her highly successful self-service supermarket chain.
Her success was driven by the desire to challenge typical stereotypes around women in business and help the people in her local community. “I built my brand around people. Our prices were kept at the bare minimum, our profit margins modest, as we aimed to make life easier for our customers,” she said in an interview.
Her business grew steadily, with her goodwill attracting customers and earning trust in the region. She used some of the profits from her businesses for philanthropic efforts, supporting the education of 200 vulnerable children, some of whom she sponsored to seek further education abroad.
She also fed deaf people in the community, contributing to their welfare. Additionally, she supported some of her staff to go back to school for further education. “I took responsibility for my customers and employees alike,” she said.
The June 7th Tragedy
In a tragic turn of events, the very people whom Njambi helped would contribute to the downfall of her business empire during the nationwide protests of June 7th, 2025.
On that day, goons stormed four branches of her supermarkets in Kabati, Kenol, Kagio, and Kagumo. The looters helped themselves to all the goods they could lay their hands on, stealing even shopping trolleys, shelves, and other commodities.
Before the buildings were torched, the businesses had offered direct employment to over 300 youths and indirectly supported hundreds more through local suppliers and service providers.
According to Njambi, the attack appeared targeted. “They seemed confident, purposeful, as though on a mission,” she recalled. While many businesses in the vicinity were left untouched, hers bore the full brunt of the destruction.
By the end of the day, Njambi had made losses amounting to at least Sh 200 million. Her 27-year-old journey of hard work collapsed in a single day, leaving her with no income and no way of servicing her personal loans and paying her suppliers.
In media interviews following the looting of her supermarkets, she expressed shock after discovering familiar faces among the looters on CCTV footage. “One of them is a former female employee. She is seen on camera directing the mob to shelves with high-value goods. This was more than just random looting; it was a conspiracy,” Ms. Njambi said.
While lamenting the ripple effect that the collapse of her businesses would have on her employees and beneficiaries, Njambi also lamented the sudden public attention on her businesses and private life.
“Until now, I led a quiet life trading, building the economy by helping others. I have been forced to give this interview under duress. I never wanted the spotlight like this,” she said.
Whether she chooses to rebuild or retreat from the limelight, her legacy in Central Kenya will not be easily forgotten.