Thirty-five youths have so far been arrested in Uasin Gishu for attempting to block roads and allegedly planning to rob business premises.
According to Uasin Gishu County Commander Benjamin Mwanthi, police officers foiled an attempt by more than 50 youth to raid businesses around the Vims area within Eldoret CBD around midnight.
Addressing the press, the County commander said security officers got wind that a group of youths were planning to rob shops around the area after the business owners closed, but their efforts were futile as officers repulsed them.
Mwanthi added that five youths who were trying to mobilise their colleagues around the Assis area to commemorate Saba Saba Day were arrested and are being processed to be arraigned in court.
“Around noon, we managed to arrest 30 youths who were in a group that was attempting to block the main Uganda road around Nyathiru, said the County Commander, who assured residents, the business community, and visitors to Eldoret that the area was safe.
“The business community within Eldoret town can open their businesses since the area is calm, apart from Nyathiru, Rodi, and Maili nne, where some youth attempted to block the roads; all other areas are calm,” he assured.
A spot check by KNA showed that most businesses within Eldoret town remained closed in the morning as the business community feared they could be targeted by youth planning to demonstrate, but by afternoon, a few shops were operational. Traffic was also minimal as most people opted to remain at home.
By Kiptanui Cherono
