Calm returned to most parts of Eldoret as UDA supporters in the town erected afresh some of the party wheelbarrow symbols that had been destroyed during the Finance Bill protests
In the CBD business went on smoothly with minimal security deployments, although roadblocks were erected along major roads leading the town as police carried regular checks in vehicles.
Traders went on with repairs in areas where destruction was witnessed during the protests.
Bishops and elders from communities in the region also held a series of meetings where they rallied residents to keep the peace in the aftermath of the deadly Finance Bill protests.
Church leaders in the region led by ACK Bishop of Eldoret Christopher Ruto also met and called for calm as the President works to restore normalcy in the country.
“We now must refocus our energy to strengthen peace and deal with the socio-economic issues raised by our youth,” Bishop Ruto said.
He said Kenya was larger than anyone and urged political leaders to take seriously all the issues raised by Kenyans leading to the protests.
“We call on all Kenyans to keep the peace and allow President William Ruto to deal with the issues raised in the Finance Bill and other matters,” Bishop Ruto.
The clergymen praised the President for accepting to withdraw the Finance Bill and urged him to carry out the consultations he has promised so as to unite the country and take it back to the development path.
The wheelbarrow symbols had been located in strategic areas in the town centre but were destroyed during the protests by angry GEN Z youth.
One of the wheelbarrow symbols has now been erected afresh on a high mast at the Kisumu road junction in the town.
This comes a day after President William Ruto’s supporters carried out peace demos in the town.
“The President has responded well to the issues raised and as residents of Eldoret we stand with him,” said elder Benjamin Leting.
Community elders in the region led by Chairman of the Kalenjin elders council Alex Mursi also held meetings urging Kenyan to keep the peace and resume normal operations as the government works to revive the economy.
Mursi said as elders they will actively take part in advising youth to calm down as the government deals with issues they have raised in the protests witnessed across the country.
“As elders we urge the youth to value peace because they also need a stable country so that they can exploit their potentials once the government deals with the issues they have raised,” Mursi said.
Eldoret witnessed heavy destruction during the protests, which saw nine vehicles and the county court set ablaze. Two clubs including the Timber Xo associated with Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi were also vandalised.
More than ten shops for mobile phones and electronics along with some for clothes shops were also vandalised during the GEN Z protests.