Eldoret’s bustling town centre was brought to a halt on Wednesday as hundreds of Gen Z youth flooded the streets in a bold show of dissent, joining the nationwide wave of anti-government protests.
The peaceful demonstrations, which kicked off at the Eldoret main market, quickly gained momentum as protestors marched through key streets including Oginga Odinga Street; chanting anti-government slogans.
However, what began as a calm march took a tense turn when a separate group, described by witnesses as hired goons armed with rungus, emerged and attempted to confront the demonstrators.
The confrontation risked spiralling into chaos, prompting a swift intervention by police who positioned themselves between the two groups to prevent violence.
Traders, fearing the worst, closed their shops and evacuated, leaving much of Eldoret’s commercial zone deserted. Public transport services slowed to a crawl as roads were blocked and access restricted by security operations.
Law enforcement deployed in large numbers across town to monitor the situation, with additional reinforcements reportedly called in from nearby counties to contain any potential escalation.
Despite the tension, the youth-led protest remained largely peaceful, with demonstrators urging one another to remain calm and focused. Many carried placards and waved flags, while others documented the protest live on social media, amplifying the voices from Uasin Gishu to the rest of the country.
As dusk approached, the situation remained fluid, with authorities maintaining high alert. No injuries were reported, but the mood in Eldoret remained one of unease as the town braced for what may come next in this unfolding national movement.
