ELDORET, Kenya – Security has been heightened across Eldoret city as police brace for possible Saba Saba protests, with dozens of businesses remaining shut and a heavy police presence reported in key hotspots.
Uasin Gishu County police commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed the deployment of officers to various estates, including Huruma, Kipkaren, Kamukunji, and Maili Nne—areas that witnessed intense Gen Z-led protests in June.
“We urge everyone to keep peace so that daily activities can go on,” Mwanthi told reporters, adding that police are on high alert to prevent any outbreak of violence.
The increased security comes amid fears of a repeat of last month’s unrest, which saw widespread disruption, property damage, and clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
In Eldoret’s central business district (CBD), several shops that typically open early remained closed on Monday morning, with some guarded by private security as owners assessed the situation.
The tension has also affected schools, with several failing to resume normal classes as parents opted to keep their children at home.
Security sources indicate that additional officers have been deployed to Eldoret from surrounding counties to bolster local teams ahead of the planned demonstrations.
The Saba Saba protests, named after the historic July 7 movement for multiparty democracy, have gained renewed traction amid growing public discontent over governance, economic hardships, and alleged state repression of dissent.
