Effects of Tuesday’s Protests Still Evident in Eldoret Town
Despite the return of calmness and normalcy in Eldoret, the town still bears the scars of Tuesday’s protests. Roads are marked with signs of destruction, and various shops, supermarkets, clubs, and other public and private entities are counting their losses from the demonstrations.
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On a Wednesday morning in Eldoret, the aftermath of Tuesday’s protests was still visible. Residents gathered at various points in the town, surveying the damage. The protests, organized by the country’s youth—predominantly Gen Zs—were aimed at opposing the Finance Bill 2024. These demonstrations escalated across Kenya, with some towns, including Eldoret, experiencing significant damage.
In Eldoret, the protests resulted in numerous losses. At the Uasin Gishu County fire station, protestors threw stones at the fire trucks, damaging their windscreens. Additionally, five cars were burnt, and the Eldoret library was set ablaze, destroying several computers and books. The Geminia Insurance building also fell victim to the protestors, who burned everything inside.
The Eldoret Municipal Court was not spared either; protestors attacked and set the court premises on fire, citing mistreatment by the county enforcement officers . The governor’s office faced a similar fate. Protestors forced their way into the county offices, destroying various properties and attempting to burn down the governor’s office. Fortunately, their efforts were thwarted by firefighters who managed to extinguish the blaze.
A section of the National Bank was also targeted and set on fire by the protestors, who aimed to steal properties within. However, the police intervened and managed to overpower them. Another notable incident occurred at Timber XO, a club affiliated with Oscar Sudi. Protestors vandalized the premises, taking anything they could carry. They claimed they were taking back their taxes. The police officers guarding the club were reportedly unable to prevent the looting.
Despite the return of calmness and normalcy in Eldoret, the town still bears the scars of Tuesday’s protests. Roads are marked with signs of destruction, and various shops, supermarkets, clubs, and other public and private entities are counting their losses from the demonstrations.
As business resumes, the community grapples with the extensive damage left in the wake of the protests.
By Leonard Okello
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