Panic in Limuru Market as Swarm of Bees Causes Chaos and Injuries

A sudden bee swarm descended upon Limuru Market on Tuesday, causing widespread panic and disruption as traders and customers fled the bustling trading hub. 

The unexpected event resulted in injuries, financial losses for vendors, and renewed calls for improved disaster preparedness in public spaces. The incident began during peak trading hours, with the market's usual vibrancy abruptly shattered by the arrival of the aggressive swarm. Eyewitness accounts paint a scene of chaos, as people screamed and scattered in all directions to escape the attacking insects.

"We were shocked to see everyone running and shouting—then we realised it was the bees," one trader recounted. "They stung many of us, forcing us to abandon our stalls."

In a desperate attempt to ward off the bees, some traders lit charcoal stoves to generate smoke, a tactic that eventually proved effective in driving the insects away and allowing normalcy to gradually return to the market later in the day. However, the swarm's impact was significant, with traders lamenting the substantial losses incurred due to the absence of customers during the incident. Restaurants in the area were particularly hard-hit, as patrons fled without paying for their meals. The bee attack left several individuals injured, with some expressing fear and frustration over the ordeal.

"I was just going about my business when I was attacked," one vendor said. "I am still in pain and shaken. I don’t even know how I’ll face my family after this."

The Limuru Market incident is not an isolated occurrence, as similar bee-related disruptions have been reported in Kenya in recent years. In December 2022, mourners at a burial ceremony in Kirinyaga County were attacked by a swarm of bees, temporarily halting proceedings. Another incident in November 2022 saw bees descend on a matatu terminus in Nyeri County, attacking passengers as they prepared to board a vehicle.