Over 35 Youths Arrested in Eldoret Amid Foiled Looting Attempt on Saba Saba Day
Security was also ramped up at Baniyas Square Nightclub, a popular entertainment venue on the outskirts of Eldoret, which was severely damaged during last month’s anti-Finance Bill protests.
Photo/Courtesy.
More than 35 youth, aged between 17 and 30, were arrested on Monday during a police operation at Huruma Trading Centre along the Eldoret-Webuye highway. The group was reportedly trying to loot and engage in other illegal activities while pretending to be protesters during Saba Saba Day.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi said riot police officers in six Land Cruiser vehicles captured the suspects. They were taken to the Eldoret Central Police Station, where they are being held until they appear in court on Tuesday.
“Our officers have arrested about 35 youth after stopping their plans to loot and commit crimes in the Huruma area,” said Mwanthi.
Commander Mwanthi noted that the group aimed to target businesses while posing as protesters. He credited the operation’s success to the quick police response after receiving distress calls from local business owners and concerned citizens.
“These individuals were pretending to be protesters with the aim of looting businesses along the busy highway,” he added.
In a separate statement, Mwanthi confirmed that police had increased security in Eldoret’s Central Business District (CBD) to prevent a repeat of the violence and destruction seen during the June 25 Gen-Z demonstrations.
“As you can see, there have been no Saba Saba protests in the town’s CBD today because we secured all entry and exit points. We took steps to prevent any chaos,” said Mwanthi.
He encouraged local traders who had closed their businesses due to safety fears to reopen, assuring them of ongoing police patrols and increased security.
“There is no need to worry. We have stepped up patrols across Eldoret and nearby areas to deter criminal gangs posing as genuine protesters,” Mwanthi emphasized.
Security was also heightened at Baniyas Square Nightclub, a popular entertainment venue on the outskirts of Eldoret, which was badly damaged during last month’s anti-Finance Bill protests. The club suffered losses of more than KSh 40 million after property was destroyed and goods were stolen by rioters.
Concerned about further attacks, the club’s management closed the premises and sent staff home as tensions rose during the Saba Saba protests. Mwanthi confirmed that over 30 armed officers were stationed at the site overnight to prevent more damage.
“We had reports that protesters were planning to target the nightclub again. This time, our officers were fully prepared and successfully protected the premises,” he said.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as tensions related to Saba Saba continue in parts of the country.
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