ELDORET, Kenya – Police in Eldoret have arrested at least 35 youths accused of blocking the busy Eldoret-Webuye highway during Monday’s Saba Saba protests, which have paralysed operations across the Uasin Gishu County capital.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed the arrests, saying the youths lit bonfires and used stones to barricade the road, disrupting transport and endangering public safety.
“We have started arresting some of those involved because we will not entertain any activities aimed at disrupting normal business,” said Mwanthi.
Anti-riot officers also dispersed crowds gathering in Huruma and Pemugi estates, two areas that were flashpoints during recent Gen Z protests.
The town remained tense for most of the day, with police deploying hundreds of officers to patrol key roads and estates, including Kipkaren, Kamkunji, and Maili Nne—areas that have witnessed intense demonstrations in the past weeks.
The protests, linked to the national Saba Saba commemorations, saw businesses in Eldoret’s central business district remain shut.
Major streets were deserted, and courts and government offices remained closed after staff were advised to stay home for their safety.
Police mounted roadblocks on major routes leading into town as lorries loaded with anti-riot units were stationed in anticipation of further unrest.
Traders and residents cited safety fears as the reason for staying away from town.
Some schools in the town also failed to resume Monday classes, with parents choosing to keep their children at home amid uncertainty over the protests.
Commander Mwanthi assured residents of enhanced security measures, urging calm while warning that any acts of lawlessness would be met with firm action.
“We still urge everyone to keep peace so that daily activities can go on,” he said.
The heavy police presence in Eldoret mirrors a wider national crackdown on anti-government protests as Kenyans mark Saba Saba Day, which commemorates the 1990 pro-democracy demonstrations that led to the reintroduction of multi-party politics in Kenya.
