Comprehensive security and traffic management measures have been put in place ahead of Tuesday’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.
According to Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, Dr. Abdi Hassan, security agencies have intensified patrols, deployed additional personnel to identified hotspots, and strengthened coordination to ensure the national celebrations proceed in a safe, orderly, and peaceful environment.
He said the arrangements cover the stadium, designated parking areas, accommodation facilities, critical installations and other areas expected to receive large numbers of visitors.
The Regional Commissioner urged motorists and visitors to follow instructions from traffic officers, observe road signs and cooperate with security personnel to facilitate smooth movement around the city.
National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and National Youth Service personnel will help guide wananchi, particularly during and after the ceremonial marchpast.
Uniformed police officers, plain-clothes officers, and traffic police will also be deployed to secure the venue and surrounding areas.
Dr. Hassan said patrols would continue before, during, and after the celebrations, with additional personnel deployed to identified security hotspots for proactive response.
Security arrangements at hotels and other accommodation facilities have also been strengthened, with support from neighbouring counties.
He warned individuals planning to exploit the national event to engage in crime that they would face firm and lawful action.
“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.
The RC 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 progress 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 returning to their homes.
Further, he said the government would sustain intelligence-led and coordinated operations in areas affected by banditry and violence, targeting perpetrators as well as those who finance or facilitate criminal activities.
“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,” Dr. Hassan said.
He emphasised the importance of cooperation between security agencies, government administrators, local leaders, and wananchi in consolidating the peace gains recorded so far.
He also called on political leaders, community elders, religious institutions, the media and members of the public to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence, particularly 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.
He urged Kenyans to reject hate speech, incitement, ethnic hostility and inflammatory language, warning that those who facilitate crime would also be held accountable.
“Cooperation is essential to ensuring that peace is not temporary but a lasting condition for prosperity,” he said.
