The protest caused major traffic disruption, leaving motorists stranded for hours as tensions ran high in the town.
According to eyewitnesses, the trouble started early in the day when a group of boda boda riders confronted county officers during an operation in the central business area.
The riders claim the officers were carrying out a crackdown that turned violent, with several riders allegedly assaulted and their motorcycles damaged.
News of the incident quickly spread, drawing more riders to the scene.
Angered by what they described as harassment and brutality, the boda boda operators moved onto Uganda Road, one of Eldoret’s main highways, and blocked it using motorcycles, stones, and debris.
Vehicles heading in and out of town were forced to stop, creating long traffic jams and confusion for commuters.
Some riders were seen chanting and blowing horns as they demanded justice for their colleagues.
They accused county officers of targeting them unfairly, saying they are often harassed while trying to earn a living.
The riders insisted that many of them operate legally and should be treated with respect.
“We are not criminals,” one rider said. “We are just trying to feed our families. If there is a problem, the county should talk to us, not beat us.”
The protest affected businesses along Uganda Road, with shops forced to close temporarily as the situation grew tense.
Public service vehicles were unable to move, and passengers were seen walking long distances to reach their destinations.
Police officers were later deployed to the area to restore order.
After several hours of standoff, security personnel managed to convince the riders to clear the road.
Calm was gradually restored, and traffic began to flow, though delays continued well into the afternoon.
County officials, however, gave a different account of the events.
They said their officers were conducting a routine operation to enforce regulations and maintain order.
According to the county, some boda boda riders became aggressive and resisted arrest, leading to the confrontation.
The county government said it does not condone violence and promised to investigate the allegations raised by the riders.
Officials urged boda boda operators to remain calm and use dialogue to resolve disputes.