Kisumu, Migori economies stall as businesses remain shut, residents avoid towns for fear of chaos

KISUMU COUNTY: Business in Kisumu was at a standstill as most premises in the Central Business District were closed for fear of violence, while heavy police presence was witnessed in the lakeside city.

A spot check by The Standard revealed that only banks and supermarkets were open but the number of clients was significantly low.

Police patrolled the town, with most of them being stationed at perceived hotspots such as Kondele, Car Wash and the main bus terminus.

Most residents who spoke to The Standard said tension was high as police continued patrolling the streets.

"We are very scared as nothing seems to be going on. Everybody is wondering when normalcy will return so that we can go on with our normal lives," said a resident.

The residents said they were waiting for the communication from the Uhuru Park rally before making the next move.

"We cannot say Kisumu is calm. Let us wait for the outcome of the Uhuru Park rally before we can say the day is calm," said another resident.

There were however no crowds at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground in Kisumu where a rally similar to that at Uhuru Park was to be held.

Most schools in town recorded low pupils' turn-out with some school heads sending learners back home for fear of chaos.

County Police Commandant David Ng'etich said more officers would be deployed in learning institutions to protect learners and teachers. A teacher at Shaurimoyo Primary school said only about 200 pupils out of 1, 026 reported.

He said all areas in the county have been mapped and police are ready to combat any form of lawlessness.

Meanwhile, businesses remained shut in Migori town as owners opted to stay away for fear of violence. Public Service Vehicles kept off the Kisii-Migori highway as residents resulted to using motorcycles.

Armed police officers patrolled and manned banks which opened while parents kept their school going children. Migori police boss Joshua Opiyo said no incident had been reported, adding that they were working hard to ensure nobody caused any chaos.