Calm in Eldoret town as youths stay off the streets, allege intimidation

There were no protests in Uasin Gishu and West Pokot counties, although anti-riot police patrolled the towns of Eldoret and Kapenguria throughout the day as schools reopened after students returned from the mid-term break.

Residents of Eldoret town went about their daily activities, with talk of planned protests failing to materialise.

Some traders closed their shops for most of the day, fearing looting in the event of demonstrations, as happened last week.

“I did not want to risk my business, so I closed my shop for fear of what happened last week,” said Ruth Koech, a cosmetics seller on Odinga Oginga Street.

Police officers in riot gear had strategically stationed their vehicles in areas that witnessed extreme unrest last week. A large number of officers were camped around Uasin Gishu County headquarters, which was badly damaged last week.

Gen Zs walking around the city in small groups said that not participating in Tuesday’s demonstrations did not mean they were happy with the government, describing it as a pause due to intimidation from the heavy police presence.

Unidentified uniformed men in plain clothes roughed up some people who showed signs of marching before letting them go.

Residents said they were happy with the calm in the city on Tuesday, unlike last week.

“We are happy with the peace and calm we are experiencing here today. Nobody wants to see a repeat of what happened last week,” said Mr David Rono.