Top security officials in Uasin Gishu County have urged Eldoret’s business community and residents to go about their activities as usual on Wednesday, amid rising speculation over potential anti-government demonstrations inspired by ongoing #OccupyParliament protests in Nairobi.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi and County Criminal Investigations Officer Daniel Muleli said there is no formal notice of any planned protest in the area, but assured the public that security teams remain on high alert.
“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 police officials appealed to members of the public to remain calm and continue with their daily routines, while remaining vigilant and cooperating with law enforcement in the event of any suspicious activity.
“We encourage the public to report any credible threats or disruptions to the nearest police station,” said Muleli. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of all residents.”
Their statements come as social media buzz around the hashtag #OccupyEldoret continues to grow. Anonymous digital posters, circulating widely online, have called for peaceful demonstrations by members of Gen Z, with a gathering point reportedly set for 9:00 a.m. at Zion Mall. The posters, which do not identify any specific organizers, urge participants to carry water and the Kenyan flag—signaling a nonviolent protest.
While the authenticity of the posters remains unverified, the tone and structure mirror that of the broader #OccupyParliament movement currently unfolding in Nairobi. That movement, which began on June 25, is in its second week and has drawn thousands of peaceful demonstrators to the streets, protesting the Finance Bill 2024. The bill has faced widespread criticism for imposing harsh tax measures on a population already grappling with high living costs.
In contrast to Nairobi, where protest organizers filed official notifications with the police, Uasin Gishu authorities say no such compliance has been observed locally.
Despite the uncertainty, police have confirmed that security patrols will be intensified across Eldoret on Wednesday to ensure law and order. Officers also emphasized that the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly must be exercised in accordance with legal procedures.
“We want to reassure Eldoret residents that their safety is our priority,” Muleli concluded. “Let us not be swayed by misinformation or online propaganda.”
Elsewhere in the country, sporadic disruptions linked to anti-Finance Bill protests have been reported in Kisumu, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Kakamega—prompting heightened vigilance from law enforcement nationwide.
As the country watches closely how Wednesday unfolds in Eldoret and beyond, all eyes remain on Kenya’s youth-driven protest wave and the government’s response in the days ahead.
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