Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyongo has rescinded his earlier call for the suspension of anti-government demonstrations in Kisumu championed by Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
The Governor, who had earlier suspended demonstrations in the county said the decision to lift the suspension was arrived at after an assurance that tomorrow’s protests will be peaceful.
“After consultations with the national leadership of Azimio, we want to assure you that we in Azimio believe in the rights of Kenyans to peacefully assembly, petition and demonstrate against the government…,” said Governor Nyong’o.
The county boss said the initial suspension was informed by rampant acts of hooliganism which extended into Monday night threatening the stability and security of residents.
“We are encouraged by the resolve of our people to continue the demonstrations tomorrow, we have been urged to continue with peaceful demos tomorrow. We know goons have been hired by our opponents to cause chaos and loot property as they have done…”
In a statement to newsrooms on Wednesday morning, Governor Nyongo claimed that the indefinite suspension of the demonstrations in Kisumu was to enable Raila supporters to join the ongoing unrest in Nairobi.
“All public demonstrations within Kisumu County have from today been suspended indefinitely so that we can join the demonstrations in Nairobi,” Governor Nyongo said.
His statement was met with fierce rebuttal from Nairobi Governor Sakaja who asked him to keep the protests in Kisumu.
“In the spirit of devolution, I would advise the Governor of Kisumu, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o’, to keep his demonstrations to his County,” said Sakaja.
