Chaos in Eldoret CBD as Protesters Disrupt Businesses, Boda Boda Riders Left Jobless
The demonstrations, meant to be peaceful, quickly turned chaotic as some protesters were seen carrying sticks and disrupting operations in shops and public spaces.
Photos By Gidion Ngenoh
By Ruth Sang
Businesses in Eldoret’s central business district (CBD) came to a standstill on Tuesday as protesters flooded the streets, marking the one-year anniversary of the Gen-Z demonstrations that rocked the country in 2024.
The demonstrations, meant to be peaceful, quickly turned chaotic as some protesters were seen carrying sticks and disrupting operations in shops and public spaces.
Several boda boda riders expressed frustration after being forced off the roads due to the violence and road closures. According to eyewitnesses, many riders had to stay away from the CBD for fear of being caught in the chaos.
“We couldn’t work today. Roads were blocked, and the few who tried to enter town were chased away,” said Kevin Kiptoo, a boda boda rider based in Eldoret. “We depend on daily rides to feed our families. Today we’ve gone home empty-handed.”
Shops remained closed as business owners feared looting. Police presence was visible in parts of the town, but residents said response was slow in some areas. Some protesters reportedly vandalized property and lit fires on major streets within the town.
The protests, inspired by ongoing frustrations over the high cost of living and concerns over police brutality, also affected matatu services and small-scale traders who rely on daily earnings.
Local leaders have called for calm and urged protesters to demonstrate peacefully without interfering with livelihoods.
“People have a right to protest, but not at the cost of others’ survival,” said Eldoret MCA Julius Kiplangat. “We must condemn destruction and find better ways to express our grievances.”
No injuries had been officially reported by the time of publishing, though several confrontations between youths and police were observed.
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