Water cannons deployed to Kisumu as police brace for demonstrations

Security has beefed up in parts of Nyanza with two giant anti-riot water canons on standby as police prepare for demonstrations after a push for dialogue on electoral reforms collapsed.

The water cannons, driven into Kisumu city under the cover of darkness last week, are likely to be used to keep protesters away from the officers of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Kisumu residents got a rare glimpse of the imposing behemoths when they were driven along Dunga Road and some got to see them being filled with water at Lake Victoria.

Sources said the government purchased 10 such machines from China this year to help in crowd control. Nairobi is reported to have six water canons while Mombasa and Kisumu each have two.

Two weeks ago, three people were killed and 30 others injured during street protests in Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori.

Nyanza Regional Police Coordinator Willy Lugusa said officers have been put on a full alert to deal with demonstrators who are pushing for the removal of IEBC commissioners.

“We will not give room to actions which are inconsistent with the rule of law. Our goal is to safeguard against loss of property and life. Demonstrations seeking to disturb the peace will not be tolerated,”  said Lugusa.

But Kisumu County Governor Jack Ranguma said they will hold peaceful demonstrations.