Eldoret City remained calm amid fears of Gen Z protests, even as student leaders from two universities in the region said they had withdrawn participation from the planned demonstrations.
Most businesses in the city centre opened as usual.
Elders from the Luo and Kalenjin communities also urged the youth to stay away from the protests.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Edisson Nyale said security teams had been deployed across the county to ensure normal operations.
“Our security teams are in place to ensure we go to work, open our businesses and do other engagements as usual,” said Nyale.
Police officers from neighbouring stations were also sent into the town to reinforce security in anticipation of the demonstrations.
They were expected to be deployed in various parts of the town to manage any potential unrest.
Collins Kimutai of the University of Eldoret Students Association said they had advised students to avoid the protests and continue with their learning programmes.
“We stand in solidarity with those we lost last year due to the Gen Z protests, but the best way to honour their memory is by staying safe and not by adding more names to the list,” he said in a memo to students.
He noted that past street demonstrations had often turned chaotic and violent, resulting in harm and loss of lives.
Moi University Students President Chonjela Peter said, after consultations with the dean of students and academic departments, they had resolved not to take part in the Gen Z protests.
“While our shared quest for accountability, justice and youth empowerment remains steadfast and valid, the realities on the ground call for a shift in approach at this particular time,” said Chonjela.
Meanwhile, elders from the Luo community in Uasin Gishu called on the youth to foster peace and unity rather than rely on confrontation to express their grievances.
They advocated for the use of diplomacy and dialogue to resolve issues affecting the youth.
The elders encouraged young people to focus on economic empowerment rather than engaging in street demonstrations.
They said frequent protests posed a risk to peace and security in both the region and the country.
The delegation was led by Uasin Gishu Luo Council of Elders Chairman Dr Charles Ongiya and Vice Chairman Mark Orinda.
Also present were Evans Odhiambo, a human rights defender, and the council’s organising secretary, Joash Osum.
Ongiya noted that Uasin Gishu, being a cosmopolitan region and home to President William Ruto, should lead by example in promoting peace and stability.
“Our leaders, President Ruto and Raila Odinga, are part of a broad-based government, and we should not undermine their efforts by allowing youth to engage in disruptive protests,” said Orinda.
He added that demonstrations were no longer achieving their intended impact and were instead causing hardship for many families.
“When the youth destroy property in areas where they are employed, it’s equivalent to damaging the very economy that supports them,” said Orinda.
The Luo Council of Elders said they would work with other communities to sensitise youth on the need for peace and national unity.
“We fully support efforts by President Ruto and Odinga to unite the country, and we urge our youth to emulate their leadership,” said Ongiya.
He added that a meeting with other elders would soon be held to discuss ways to strengthen peace in the region.
Residents in the streets of Eldoret
