Businesses paralyzed in major towns in Nyanza as youths take to the streets

Youth block Migori-Rongo highway with stones during anti-government protests on July 2, 2024. [Anne Atieno, Standard]

Transport and business operations were paralyzed for the better part of the day in major towns of the Nyanza region, with two people shot in Kisii and Migori.

Hundreds of residents took to the streets to express dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza government.

Kisumu protestors chanting anti-government slogans assembled in different areas, including Kondele, Nyamasaria, Juakali, Otonglo, and Buspark, made a triumphant entry into the city's Central Business District.

The protestors courageously made their way to the Kisumu State Lodge, which was under heavy security surveillance mounted by both anti-riot police and KDF officers. 

They called on President William Ruto to quit his hard stance and listen to the people who elected him.

"I want to tell the President that we will not stop demonstrating if he does not heed our demand for good governance. We want a change in his government. We don't want to be overtaxed, and we don't want corruption in government because they are stealing our money," Shouted Obungu Owich, a resident of Kondele.

The relatively peaceful protests experienced several incidences of mugging at various spots with the mugging of travellers.

At Patels Roundabout near Kisumu City's CBD, a 23-year-old man was rescued by the police and rushed to hospital after he was attacked by a mob of protestors who accused him of being part of a gang that had been taking advantage of the protests.

In Kisii, one person was shot as the protestors tried to gain access to the home of Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda.

The injured were part of the youths who had barricaded the Kisii Teaching and Hospital road, which also heads to Jhand’s home.

Several youths were later mobilized to help police deal with the youths who, for the better part of the day, unsuccessfully tried to make their way to the legislator’s house.

The protestors walked from the Kisii National Polytechnic, making several trips to the town’s CBD. 

Several shops in the town remained closed most of the day, even as police officers watched from a distance.

One other person was shot in Rongo Town of Migori County. Youths woke up as early as 5 am and proceeded to the streets. By 10 am, the situation had calmed down despite protestors blocking several roads.

Shops remained closed, and transport was paralyzed as protestors took the better part of the day playing football in the middle of the town.

By 11 am, the protestors had lit bonfires at Migori main bridge along the Migori-Rongo highway. At this time, there was no police presence.

The protestors said they wanted President William Ruto to resign, arguing that life had become so hard that they could not afford to take care of their daily needs.

“Feeding our families has become so hard, yet the president wants to add more taxes on us,” Benard Ouma, a resident, said.

On July 1, the protestors had been warned by the Migori business community, youths, and Bunge La Wananchi against destroying property and burning the tarmac.

John Okoth, a youth leader who asked the police to avoid using bullets on protestors, said protestors ought to carry out demonstrations peacefully without destroying property and burning tarmac.

“They should not loot businesses and demand money from motorists,” Okoth remarked.

Erick Opany, the youth president ODM Migori branch, urged the youths to exercise their rights per the law.

“We ask our youths to do the demonstrations peacefully,” Mr Opany said, asking the police to be peaceful with the protestors.

Youths in Homa Bay town blew whistles as they chanted songs against the current Kenya Kwanza regime.

They are opposed to what they termed as the Government’s unfairness, which they said had led to the high cost of living.

“We are not pleased with what the government is doing because the cost of living continues to skyrocket,” said Billy Odongo.

All businesses in the town were closed from 9 am due to fear of destruction. At some point, police officers had to use teargas to disperse the protestors.

 [James Omoro, Anne Atieno, Clinton Ambujo, and Eric Abuga]