Kisumu city remained largely calm on Wednesday despite the nationwide commemorations marking the first anniversary of the June Kisumu calm amid nationwide protest anniversary, but tensions flare at activists’ presser25, 2024 Gen Z protests, which rocked several towns across the country last year.
Unlike other parts of the country where tensions were high, business continued uninterrupted in Kisumu’s Central Business District (CBD), with shops in areas such as Kachok, Kondele, and the bus park staying open throughout the day.
Public service vehicle operators at Kisumu bus park carried on with their normal duties, ferrying passengers to various destinations, although a few operators opted to keep off the roads, citing uncertainty over possible unrest.
In Kondele, a neighborhood historically associated with political activism and mass action, normalcy prevailed as residents went about their daily activities. The subdued mood stood in sharp contrast to previous demonstrations that had seen confrontations between protesters and security forces.
Later in the afternoon, a small group of human rights activists held a press briefing at Jamhuri Park near the Kisumu Central Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner’s office. During the briefing, the activists alleged that some youth had been mobilized to discourage street protests in the city.
Reading from a prepared statement, they condemned ongoing human rights violations, including alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, and called on the government to uphold constitutional freedoms.
“We will not be silenced,” one activist said. “The struggle for justice must continue regardless of attempts to intimidate or suppress our voices.”
However, the peaceful gathering was short-lived. A group of youths riding motorbikes stormed the venue, disrupting the presser and forcing the activists to flee for safety. The youth group accused the organizers of attempting to incite unrest, vowing they would not allow what they termed as “destructive demonstrations” in the lakeside city.
“We must protect our city’s peace and infrastructure,” one of the youths shouted, as the group dispersed the activists.
Despite the scare, no injuries were reported and the situation was quickly brought under control. Police presence remained minimal throughout the day, with authorities reportedly monitoring the situation from a distance.
