Plain-clothes officers among security personnel deployed in Eldoret ahead of Mashujaa Day

Security has been tightened in Eldoret ahead of Tuesday’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Uasin Gishu County, where President William Ruto is expected to lead the nation in honouring Kenya’s heroes.

The celebrations, which will be held at the stadium with a seating capacity of approximately 15,043, will be jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, marking the first time the three Rift Valley counties are co-hosting the national event.

Additional police officers have been deployed to identified hotspots, and traffic teams assigned to guide motorists and visitors throughout the national event. Among those deployed to secure the venue and surrounding areas are uniformed police officers, plain-clothes officers and traffic police.

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr Abdi Hassan said National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and National Youth Service personnel will also help guide members of the public, particularly during and after the ceremonial marchpast.

He added that security teams had stepped up operations around the stadium, designated parking areas, critical installations and other locations expected to receive large numbers of visitors.

Abdi said patrols would continue before, during and after the celebrations, with more officers assigned to identified security hotspots to respond to potential threats.

Security arrangements at hotels and other accommodation facilities have also been strengthened, with support from neighbouring counties.

The Regional Commissioner urged motorists and visitors to obey road signs, follow instructions from traffic officers and cooperate with security personnel to ensure smooth movement around the city.

He warned those planning to exploit the national event to commit crimes that they would face firm action under the law.

“The national celebration does not give anyone immunity from the law. Anyone who engages in criminal activity, threatens public safety or disrupts peace will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.

Abdi described the overall security situation in the Rift Valley as favourable, citing progress in restoring peace in areas previously affected by banditry and other forms of insecurity.

He attributed the gains in the North Rift partly to sustained security operations under the Maliza Uhalifu initiative, saying communities were gradually returning to normal life, businesses were reopening and displaced residents were going back to their homes.

He said the government would continue intelligence-led and coordinated operations in areas affected by banditry and violence, targeting those involved in criminal activities and the people who finance or support them.

“There can be no meaningful development without security. Security is the foundation of peace, investment, trade and prosperity. Education and the delivery of public services depend on it,” Abdi said.

He called for continued cooperation among security agencies, government administrators, local leaders and members of the public to protect the peace achieved so far.

The Regional Commissioner also urged political leaders, community elders, religious institutions, the media and members of the public to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

“Our diversity is a national asset, not a source of division. Every leader and citizen has a responsibility to promote tolerance, dialogue, and mutual respect,” he said.

Abdi called on Kenyans to reject hate speech, incitement, ethnic hostility and inflammatory language, warning that those who help facilitate criminal activities would also be held accountable.

“Cooperation is essential to ensuring that peace is not temporary but a lasting condition for prosperity,” he said.

He urged residents and visitors to celebrate Mashujaa Day responsibly, cooperate with security officers and uphold the law throughout the national celebrations.