Armed Youth Demonstrate in Eldoret, Warn Against Protests in President’s Home Region

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Reports indicate that the youth were transported to the area by local politicians.

Hired armed youth with bows and arrows demonstrate in Eldoret, challenging peaceful protesters against holding demonstrations in the President's home region

Tension and anxiety gripped President William Ruto’s hometown, Eldoret, yesterday as a group of youths armed with wooden batons, bows, and arrows stormed the town’s central business district in full view of armed police officers patrolling the area.

The presence of over 200 youths incited panic and fear among traders, forcing many to shut down their businesses hastily, fearing another round of violent protests. As the group roamed the streets, the middle-aged youths, looking menacing, could be seen roughing up bystanders who attempted to record their activities.

A young man armed with bows and arrows spotted among over 200 hired youth,

They warned anyone in their path against the mistake of taking their picture with mobile phones. At one point, they snatched the phone of a local journalist, suspecting her of trying to record their actions.

“Delete all the recordings you have taken of us, or I will snatch your phone. I am not joking, young lady. I know you are a journalist,” one of the youths shouted, brandishing a wooden baton at the helpless journalist.

Despite several pleas from the journalist that she was only buying bundles on her phone and not recording their activities, the youth remained suspicious. “Please stop harassing me as I have not taken any video recordings of your activities on my phone,” she implored.

After confirming that the journalist had not recorded or taken their pictures, they returned her phone and rejoined the rest of the group, roaming the streets and chanting war songs. Earlier, the youths had converged at the Uasin Gishu County headquarters, which hosts Governor Jonathan Bii’s office, before embarking on their patrol of the town.

The youths claimed they were protecting Eldoret from violent protesters, vowing to ensure no such incidents would occur in the President’s backyard again. Some traders, who had opened their businesses, quickly closed down, fearing looting as had happened previously when rowdy goons targeted shops dealing in electronic household items and expensive alcoholic drinks.

Surprisingly, after accomplishing their mission, the youths assembled at the county government headquarters ground, where they held a meeting to review their activities while a team of anti-riot police officers watched from a distance.

The town saw a heavy presence of security personnel early in the day to avert a possible clash between pro and anti-Finance Bill supporters, following parallel protests in the morning.

 

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