Uasin Gishu Security Chiefs Urge Calm as ‘Occupy Eldoret’ Posters Circulate Online
“As of now, we have not received any official notification or request for a public demonstration in Eldoret, as required under the Public Order Act,” Commander Mwanthi.
By James Gitaka
Top security officials in Uasin Gishu County have called on the Eldoret business community to operate as usual on Wednesday, amid growing online speculation of planned anti-government demonstrations similar to those expected in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
Speaking during a press briefing in Eldoret on Tuesday, Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi and County Criminal Investigations Officer Daniel Muleli reassured residents that no formal notice of any planned protest had been received across police stations in the county.
“As of now, we have not received any official notification or request for a public demonstration in Eldoret, as required under the Public Order Act,” said Commander Mwanthi. “Nevertheless, we are on high alert and prepared to deal with any situation that may arise.”
The security bosses urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement and share any credible information related to security threats or planned disruptions.
“We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to nearby police stations. We are committed to ensuring the safety of all residents,” added Muleli.
Their statement comes amid increasing concern on social media, where anonymous posters circulating under the hashtag #OccupyEldoret have called on members of Gen Z to stage demonstrations in the town, beginning at 9:00 a.m. from Zion Mall. The posters, which have not been attributed to any specific group or organizer, advise protesters to carry bottles of water and the Kenyan national flag—a move symbolic of peaceful civil resistance.
While the authenticity and source of the Eldoret posters remain unclear, the online movement mirrors the momentum behind the #OccupyParliament protests in Nairobi, which have entered their second week. The protests, largely organized and driven by Gen Z youth, began on June 25th, and were triggered by public opposition to the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which many argue imposes harsh tax measures on already struggling citizens.
In Nairobi, protest organizers officially notified the police as per legal requirements, and thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets over the past week in largely peaceful marches. The Nairobi protests have drawn national and international attention for their unprecedented youth-led coordination, innovative use of social media, and decentralized leadership.
Despite relative calm in some counties, protest-related disruptions have been witnessed in parts of Kisumu, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Kakamega—prompting heightened security alerts nationwide.
Uasin Gishu police say they remain ready to respond swiftly in case of any eventualities.
“We want to reassure Eldoret residents that their safety is our priority. Let us not be swayed by misinformation or online propaganda,” said Muleli.
Security patrols are expected to be intensified across Eldoret town on Wednesday.
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