Youth clash over anti-government protests in Homa Bay

Youths in Homa Bay town took part in the country-wide anti-government protests on July 16, 2024. [James Omoro, Standard]

Two groups clashed over anti-government protests in Homa Bay town, on Tuesday.

Chaos erupted along Garage Road when a group opposed to the protests attempted to restrain Gen Z from taking to the streets.

A saloon car used by the protestors was pelted with stones before being pushed into a ditch.

“We had planned to hold a peaceful demonstration, but the other group came to violate our rights by stopping us. We had nothing to do, other than to discipline them because they were contravening our rights,” said Maurice Osodo.

Joab Otulo said they will not allow demonstrations in Homa Bay Town to be thwarted by people with selfish interests.

“We are demonstrating to call for good governance, but, unfortunately, some people want to thwart it. We will not allow them,” Otulo said.

The youth vowed to demonstrate until their demands were met.

“We will not be cowed by their threats. Demonstrations must continue,” Otulo said.

In Kisii, more than 500 youths demonstrated along the streets for the better part of the day.

The peaceful demonstrators walked from the Daraja Moja area through the Central Business and back.

However, another group of protestors emerged chanting slogans against Governor Simba Arati's leadership.

Police kept vigil at Gusii Stadium, where Governor Arati's office is located. Youths who attempted to pelt stones at the office were repulsed by the police.

In Migori County, youth held peaceful protests as shops remained closed.

A section of the youths played football a few meters from Migori town main bridge as police watched from a distance.

“We came out and have been conducting peaceful protests since morning. Our demands are yet to be met,” said Peter Owuor, a resident.

Gen Z said they are not interested in dialogue but government to address their demands.

Abdul Mohammed, a businessman, said they were counting losses due to protests.

“We have closed our shops because of the demonstrations. We are not getting anything as business people,” Mohammed said.

Early in the morning, police lobbed teargas canisters to disperse protestors who attempted to light bonfires along the road.