ELDORET, Kenya — A riot police officer sustained life-threatening injuries during violent anti-government protests Tuesday in Eldoret’s Eastleigh market area, as clashes between demonstrators and security forces escalated across the Uasin Gishu County seat, June 25.
The officer, struck in the head by a stone, remains in critical condition at Uasin Gishu County Hospital, according to local police. Dozens of other individuals, including civilians and journalists, were injured as unrest gripped the Central Business District, shuttering businesses and paralyzing transportation.
The protests, part of a nationwide mobilization against government corruption and economic hardship, began peacefully before descending into chaos. Eyewitnesses reported that unidentified individuals, some armed with wooden clubs known as “rungus,” infiltrated the marches and targeted peaceful demonstrators and members of the press.
“I was attacked simply for having a camera,” said a local journalist, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns. Jamal Karim, a foreign correspondent stationed near Access Bank, described being encircled by a hostile crowd that questioned his presence and attempted to intimidate him. “They were there to silence media coverage,” he said.
County officials, including Uasin Gishu Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi and County Commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale, attempted to initiate dialogue with protestors earlier in the day. However, their outreach did little to contain the unrest. As tensions rose, county enforcement officers formed human shields around government offices to deter further attacks.
The aftermath left visible scars streets near Eastleigh were littered with soldering tires, scattered stones and empty tear gas canisters. Police deployed heavily around key intersections and public buildings to maintain order.
In a controversial move, the Communications Authority of Kenya ordered all national media outlets to cease live coverage of the protests, citing national security risks. Civil society groups and press freedom advocates have condemned the decision, calling it a form of state censorship.
Residents of Eldoret now face renewed uncertainty. “We’ve seen this before,” said one shop owner, recalling the 2024 unrest. “But it feels worse this time. People are angrierand more afraid.”
As Eldoret recovers from the violence, questions persist over whether calls for justice and reform will be addressed, or if further confrontation looms.
