Eldoret Remains Calm as Kenya Marks Saba Saba Anniversary Amid Heightened Security
“We have not received any request from any person or group intending to hold demonstrations within Uasin Gishu County,” a security officer said.
The state of Eldoret city amid Saba Saba anniversary.
By Robert Mutasi
Eldoret remained calm on Monday as Kenya commemorated the annual Saba Saba anniversary, with security officials in Uasin Gishu County saying they had not received any formal notification from any individual or group intending to stage demonstrations in the county.
Despite the absence of planned protests, security agencies mounted a heightened operation across Eldoret City and its surrounding areas to prevent any disruption of public order as other parts of the country prepared for demonstrations marking the historic day.
A spot check across the city on Monday morning showed businesses opening as usual, public service vehicles operating normally and light traffic flowing through major intersections. Residents went about their daily activities under the watch of heavily deployed security personnel.
Police officers said no organization had submitted a notification to hold demonstrations in Uasin Gishu, as required under Kenya’s Public Order Act, which requires organizers of public assemblies to notify authorities in advance.
Even so, authorities maintained a visible security presence throughout the city.
Heavy security was deployed at key installations, road junctions and major entry points into Eldoret. Patrol vehicles and teams of police officers were stationed across the central business district and its outskirts.
Security was particularly reinforced in Pipeline, Huruma and the surrounding estates, where additional officers were deployed to monitor the situation and ensure normal business operations continued without interruption.
The enhanced deployment mirrors security measures adopted in several counties as the National Police Service intensified vigilance ahead of the nationwide Saba Saba commemorations.
The annual observance, held every July 7, commemorates the pro-democracy movement that began on July 7, 1990, when Kenyans demanded the restoration of multiparty democracy after years of one-party rule. The demonstrations became a turning point in the country’s political history and are widely regarded as a milestone in Kenya’s democratic journey.
In recent years, Saba Saba has evolved into a day when citizens and civil society organizations raise concerns over governance, accountability, economic challenges and constitutional rights.
This year’s anniversary comes amid heightened national attention following a series of anti-government demonstrations over the past two years, prompting authorities to strengthen security in major towns and cities.
In Nairobi, the National Police Service established roadblocks on major highways leading into the central business district while deploying additional officers to safeguard public installations and manage planned demonstrations. Police have repeatedly urged those taking part in protests to remain peaceful and act within the law.
In Eldoret, however, no demonstrations had been reported by Monday morning.
Images from the city showed normal traffic movement at major intersections, while security vehicles carrying uniformed officers patrolled key roads as part of the enhanced surveillance operation. The visible deployment was intended to reassure residents and deter any attempts to disrupt public order.
Authorities said they would continue monitoring developments throughout the day while urging members of the public to cooperate with security officers and report any suspicious activities.
The National Police Service has maintained that its role during the Saba Saba commemorations is to protect lives and property while facilitating the constitutional rights of Kenyans in accordance with the law.
As the rest of the country closely watches events unfolding in major urban centres, Eldoret has so far remained peaceful, with businesses operating normally under heightened security across the city and its environs.
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