Security preparations cover Kipchoge Keino Stadium ahead of Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret.
Security agencies step up patrols around Kipchoge Keino Stadium and key locations as Eldoret prepares to host Tuesday’s national celebrations.
Security agencies have tightened patrols and introduced traffic controls ahead of Eldoret Mashujaa Day celebrations on Tuesday. The measures aim to protect visitors and manage movement around Kipchoge Keino Stadium and the city.
Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan said agencies had strengthened coordination ahead of the national event. Additional officers are covering identified security hotspots, while neighbouring counties are supporting the security arrangements.
Eldoret Mashujaa Day security arrangements
The security plan covers the stadium, designated parking areas, hotels and other accommodation facilities. It also extends to critical installations expecting large numbers of visitors during the celebrations.
Uniformed and plain-clothes officers will secure the venue and surrounding areas alongside traffic police. Meanwhile, National Government Administration Officers and National Youth Service personnel will help guide members of the public.
Those teams will offer guidance particularly during and after the ceremonial marchpast. Hassan said patrols would continue before, during and after the celebrations.
He also warned against using the national event as an opportunity to commit crimes. Anyone threatening public safety or disturbing the peace would face action under the law, he said.
Motorists urged to follow traffic directions
Hassan urged motorists and visitors to follow traffic officers’ directions and observe road signs. He also asked them to cooperate with security personnel to ease movement around Eldoret.
The traffic controls form part of preparations for an expected influx of visitors to the city. Alongside those arrangements, security teams will cover accommodation facilities and other locations receiving visitors.
Hassan urged residents and visitors to celebrate responsibly and obey the law throughout the event. His warning extended to anyone seeking to disrupt peace during the national celebrations.
North Rift security operations to continue
Beyond the celebrations, Hassan described the wider Rift Valley security situation as favourable. He cited progress towards peace in areas that previously experienced banditry and other forms of insecurity.
In particular, he attributed some North Rift gains to sustained operations under the Maliza Uhalifu initiative. Communities were gradually resuming normal life, he said, with businesses reopening and displaced residents returning home.
However, Hassan said the government would maintain coordinated operations guided by intelligence. These would target perpetrators of banditry and violence, as well as people financing or facilitating criminal activities.
He also stressed that security supports investment, trade, education and the delivery of public services. To consolidate progress, he called for continued cooperation between security agencies, administrators, local leaders and residents.
Call for tolerance ahead of 2027 election
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Hassan urged leaders and communities to promote peaceful coexistence. His appeal included politicians, community elders, religious institutions, the media and the public.
He called for tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect, describing Kenya’s diversity as a national strength. He also cautioned against hate speech, incitement, ethnic hostility and inflammatory language.
