Businesses shut, little activity as protests continue in Kisii, Migori

Protestors in Migori lit bonfires along the Migori-Rongo Highway after barricading the road with stones and boulders during anti-government protests on July 4. [Anne Atieno, Standard]


Protests in Migori County have continued into the third week, with demonstrators staging another anti-government protest that saw them block the Migori River bridge on the Migori-Rongo highway.

The protests resulted in business closures as demonstrators lit bonfires and clashed with law enforcement officers.

Protestors in Migori lit bonfires along the Migori-Rongo Highway after barricading the road with stones and boulders during anti-government protests on July 4. [Caleb Kingwara]
Protesters block the Migori River bridge along the Migori- Kisii highway as the anti-government protests continue. [Caleb Kingwara].

In Nairobi County, businesses and pedestrian traffic in the Central Business District (CBD) have been disrupted in anticipation of upcoming anti-government demonstrations. 

Despite a heavy police presence, the city remains relatively calm today. 

Calm returns in the Nairobi CBD after Tuesday's protest. [ Samson wire Standard]
Calm returns in the Nairobi CBD after Tuesday's protest. [ Samson wire Standard]

However, the usual vibrant atmosphere of the CBD has been subdued as many residents chose to avoid the area following Tuesday's disturbances.

Calm returns in the Nairobi CBD after Tuesday's protest. [ Samson wire Standard]
Calm returns in the Nairobi CBD after Tuesday's protest. [ Samson wire Standard]

In Kisii town, streets are deserted and businesses remain shut as traders assess the damage from Tuesday's looting. Police presence remains pronounced.

Closed businesses in Kisii town remained closed ahead of the planned anti-government protests.[Sammy Omingo, Standard]
Closed businesses in Kisii town remained closed ahead of the planned anti-government protests.[Sammy Omingo, Standard]
Police officers patrol Kisii town in vehicles. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Conversely, in Kitale town, normalcy has returned since Tuesday's protests.

Traders in Kitale sell their goods after normalcy returned since Tuesday's protest. [Osinde Obare, Standard]