Tensions flared in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County, as Gen Z protestors clashed verbally with police officers and suspected goons who appeared intent on disrupting their peaceful demonstrations. Chanting “Hatutaki goons!” the youth made it clear they would not allow their movement to be hijacked or intimidated.
The protest, held in remembrance of young Kenyans killed during last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, drew hundreds of determined youth carrying placards, waving flags, and chanting slogans that called for justice, accountability, and protection of constitutional rights.
“We came here peacefully to honor our brothers and sisters who died fighting for a better Kenya,” said 22-year-old Mercy Kiptoo. “We will not allow baton-wielding goons to scare us.”
According to eyewitnesses, a group of unidentified individuals, armed with crude weapons, was spotted loitering near the protest route, prompting suspicion that they were planted to stir chaos. Protest leaders swiftly alerted the police and demanded their removal. Tensions eased only after the individuals left the scene, and calm was restored.
Despite the brief disruption, the protest proceeded peacefully, with moments of silence held for those who lost their lives in last year’s demonstrations. Activists read out the names of the victims and lit candles in their memory.
“We are not here for violence. We are here to demand a better future,” said one speaker.
The Eldoret protests echoed similar actions across the country, with Gen Z refusing to be silenced, insisting that their call for dignity, reform, and justice will not be ignored.
