Violence Erupts Near Eldoret’s Eastleigh as Protests Turn Chaotic, Police Officer Injured
The officer was struck with a stone in the midst of clashes between demonstrators and security personnel as anti-government protests erupted across the town.
Protesters in Eldoret. Photo/Courtesy.
By Sysvoline Atieno
A riot police officer is fighting for his life at Uasin Gishu County Hospital after sustaining serious head injuries during violent protests near the Eastleigh area of Eldoret.
The officer was struck with a stone in the midst of clashes between demonstrators and security personnel as anti-government protests erupted across the town.
According to police sources, the officer remains in critical condition, and efforts are underway to stabilize him.
Tuesday’s protests, part of the June 25 nationwide demonstrations, saw hundreds of Eldoret residents take to the streets, expressing growing frustration with the state of governance.
Protesters blocked major roads, chanted anti-government slogans, and called for justice and reform. Tensions escalated further when suspected goons—allegedly ferried in from different parts of Uasin Gishu County—interrupted the otherwise peaceful procession.
Armed with wooden clubs known locally as “rungus,” these individuals attacked unarmed protesters and even journalists attempting to cover the events.
One local journalist recalled how they were targeted while parking their car simply because they had a camera. The intimidation wasn’t limited to locals—Jamal Karim, an international journalist reporting near Access Bank, also found himself surrounded by an aggressive group who questioned his presence.
Karim said it was clear the group was attempting to instill fear and suppress coverage of the events. This tactic is not new. During last year’s June 25 protests, similar groups were observed protecting Uasin Gishu county offices while chaos unfolded around government buildings, the court, and the county library.
Earlier in the day, Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi and County Commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale attempted to engage protesters in a peaceful dialogue. However, their efforts did little to stem the rising tension.
As the situation worsened, county enforcement officers erected human barricades around county offices to prevent possible attacks, a move reminiscent of the 2024 unrest.
The impact of the protests was immediately felt in Eldoret’s Central Business District. Business operations slowed down as shop owners, fearing looting or damage, closed early.
Heavy police presence was visible around major installations and road intersections to monitor and manage the crowds. Near Eastleigh, the ground remained littered with stones, smoldering tires, and the remains of tear gas canisters.
Meanwhile, in a move that has sparked outrage, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) directed all media outlets to halt live coverage of the protests nationwide.
The authority cited concerns about national security and the potential for incitement. The directive has drawn criticism from media freedom advocates and civil society groups, who argue that such actions amount to censorship and violate the public’s right to information.
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