Tension and uncertainty gripped parts of Nakuru town on Tuesday morning, after a protest was planned to highlight the poor state of infrastructure, particularly roads, in Nakuru County.
The demonstration was met with mixed reactions from residents and traders.
Nakuru motorists demand urgent repair of deplorable roads
In recent months, residents have raised concerns about potholes, flooding during heavy rain and delayed infrastructure projects, accusing leaders of failing to prioritise service delivery despite increased county revenues.
Some of the closed businesses in Nakuru City on May 26, 2026 following a protest threat.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
While some residents supported the demonstrations, saying that the state of the roads and blocked drainage systems had become unbearable, others chose to stay away from the town centre, fearing possible chaos and disruption.
A spot check in the town centre revealed unusually quiet streets and reduced footfall, with fewer businesses operating.
Along Kenyatta Avenue, the main street, some shops opened later than usual, while others remained closed, as traders adopted a wait-and-see approach.
“We opened because we cannot afford to lose another day, but business is extremely low. People are afraid of coming to town because they do not know what may happen,” said Ms Jane Wanjiru, a clothing trader within the CBD.
Mr Philip Etaba, a tuk-tuk operator in Menengai, expressed his frustration about the deteriorating roads and said that maintenance costs for vehicles had increased significantly.
Some of the closed businesses in Nakuru City on May 26, 2026 following a protest threat.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
He said that motorists had been affected by the poor condition of the roads for a long time and that some sections became impassable whenever it rained.
“The roads leading to the market are in a terrible state. The roads are in bad shape. We have the right to complain because the situation is getting worse," he said.
Calm prevailed for the better part of the morning at Section 58, where the demonstration was expected to begin. Taxi drivers continued to pick up passengers while police officers maintained a heavy presence in the area to monitor the situation.
However, not all residents supported the demonstrations, with some arguing that protests would only disrupt businesses and learning in schools.
“We agree infrastructure needs improvement, but demonstrations will hurt ordinary wananchi more. There should be dialogue instead of protests,” said Mr Samuel Kiptoo, a resident.
Slow business and low human traffic in Nakuru Town on May 26, 2026 following a protest threat.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
Schools in the town centre and on the outskirts remained closed after parents were advised to keep their children at home due to security concerns linked to the planned protest. Other schools in the outskirts reported low attendance.
Mr Daniel Omeke, Chairman of the Menengai Tuk-tuk Association, said that transport operators who depend heavily on schoolchildren suffered major losses due to the low turnout.
“We rely heavily on students during morning hours. But after news of the demonstration spread, many parents kept their children at home; only few learners reported to school.
Despite the anxiety, a visible security presence remained in parts of the town, with police officers deployed to strategic areas to monitor the situation and maintain order.
