Fear of repeat chaos puts Eldoret businesses on high alert

Several business owners installed stronger security grills, while others deployed guards at strategic points to protect their investments in the event the commemorative protests turned chaotic.

"We do not want a repeat of what happened in 2024 when businesses suffered huge losses after demonstrations turned violent," said Joshua Maina, a trader in Eldoret's Central Business District.

The anxiety transformed the usually vibrant city into a tense and heavily guarded zone.

A contingent of police officers was deployed along the busy Eldoret-Uganda highway, while security personnel manned strategic points, conducted spot checks and operated roadblocks to maintain law and order.

“We cannot take chances. Security has been enhanced around government premises, residential areas and the CBD. Adequate personnel have been deployed to deal with any acts of lawlessness,” said Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Edison Nyale.

Traffic volumes along the highway were noticeably lower than usual, while some businesses opted to close as a precautionary measure. Hawkers who ordinarily line the streets were also largely absent.

“Although the situation remains calm, we are taking all necessary precautions to avoid suffering losses similar to those experienced on June 25, 2024,” said Mary Too, a trader at Eldoret Main Retail Market.

Security checks were intensified at entry points into the town as authorities sought to prevent any disruption of business activities.

“There is smooth traffic flow in and out of the city, and measures have been put in place to facilitate normal operations,” Dr Nyale added.

The June 2024 protests left a trail of destruction across Eldoret, with both public and private property damaged. Some business owners were forced to spend millions of shillings on reconstruction and enhanced security systems.

Several premises, including two major nightclubs and restaurants, the Municipal Court and a number of vehicles, were set ablaze after demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 turned violent.

The Kenya National Library branch and the Geminia Insurance Company building were also reduced to ashes.

Scores of traders suffered substantial losses. Among them was HL Chemist and Mobile Phones Store proprietor Morgan Kipkoech, who lost merchandise worth about Sh10 million after demonstrators broke into his premises and looted property.

Rugendo Bata shoe dealer David Wakaimba lost stock valued at approximately Sh100 million, while the owner of Baniyas Square Club and Restaurant incurred losses exceeding Sh40 million after looters made away with television sets, public address systems, assorted alcoholic beverages and other valuables.

On Thursday, anti-riot police officers patrolled the town while security teams were deployed to strategic locations to deter any acts of lawlessness.

Security was also reinforced around the county headquarters, which was among the facilities targeted during the 2024 unrest when demonstrators stormed the grounds, set the Municipal Court ablaze and pelted government offices with stones.

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