Eldoret remained calm on Wednesday as the country marked the anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests, with student leaders and elders urging the youth in the region to stay away from demonstrations and focus on peaceful alternatives.

Despite concerns of possible unrest, businesses in the city opened as usual, and daily activities went on uninterrupted. This came as security was visibly tightened in Eldoret and surrounding areas to ensure stability during the nationwide commemorations.

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Edisson Nyale confirmed that officers had been deployed across the county to safeguard public safety.
“Our security teams are in place to ensure we go to work, open our businesses, and continue with normal operations,” said Nyale. Officers from neighbouring sub-counties were also dispatched to support operations in key locations within the city.

Student leaders from the University of Eldoret and Moi University called on fellow learners to avoid street protests and instead focus on academic and peaceful ways of honouring those who lost their lives in last year’s demonstrations.

Collins Kimutai, President of the University of Eldoret Students Association, said students should not risk their lives but instead pursue their goals while acknowledging the tragic losses.
“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 adding more names to the list,” said Kimutai.

Moi University Students President Chonjela Peter said their decision not to join the protests followed internal discussions and consultations with university leadership.
“While our shared quest for justice and youth empowerment remains valid, the realities on the ground call for a shift in approach,” said Chonjela.

Elders from the Luo and Kalenjin communities also weighed in, urging young people to pursue dialogue instead of confrontation in their push for reforms. They said Eldoret’s status as a peaceful and diverse city should be preserved.

Dr Charles Ongiya, Chair of the Uasin Gishu Luo Council of Elders, said the city, which is also the President’s home region, should lead by example.
“Our leaders, President Ruto and Raila Odinga, are now working together in government. We should not undermine their efforts by engaging in disruptive protests,” said Vice Chair Mark Orinda.

The elders stressed the importance of unity, peaceful engagement, and economic growth, warning that repeated protests were causing more damage than progress.
“When the youth destroy the very areas they work in, they sabotage the economy that supports them,” said Orinda.

The council announced plans to collaborate with other elder groups to roll out peace awareness campaigns and steer young people away from violent demonstrations.