Chaos erupts in Eldoret as protests turn violent, businesses shut down
The incident unfolded in the heart of Eldoret during nationwide demonstrations commemorating the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
Protesters flee as clashes erupt between demonstrators and suspected hired goons in downtown Eldoret, Kenya, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Photo/The Star Kenya.
By Gidion Ngeno
What began as a peaceful demonstration turned chaotic Wednesday in Eldoret, where clashes between protesters and suspected hired goons disrupted businesses and left several people injured, June 25.
The incident unfolded in the heart of Eldoret during nationwide demonstrations commemorating the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
Demonstrators say the chaos began when baton-wielding men believed to be paid disruptors confronted peaceful marchers, prompting police to intervene and disperse the crowd.
Shops and stalls closed as tensions escalated, with many business owners citing fear of theft and vandalism.
“What I’m seeing here in town is not fair,” said Isaacs, a businessman in Eldoret. “People are being chased in the streets. Businesses have stopped since morning. Nobody is doing business.”
Several residents sustained serious injuries in the confrontation and were hospitalized. Eyewitnesses recounted brutal attacks by the alleged goons.
“We closed our businesses. I saw a man beaten on the head,” said another businessman who asked not to be named.
However, not all areas of Eldoret were affected. In some sections, business continued cautiously.
“Today the business is okay, but not that much because I stay with fear. These goons don’t beat you for nothing—it depends on how you talk to them,” one shop owner said.
Residents have called on the government to restore calm and end the demonstrations to allow daily life to resume. The protests, largely led by Kenyan youth, mark one year since the 2024 unrest over proposed tax hikes that left dozens dead and many injured.
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