Investors' fears as weekly demos put Kisumu on edge yet again

Although the city has been on a path to shaking off the ugly aftermaths associated with past protests, there are fears the new wave could push it back to doom.

Unlike the past protests where local leaders made sure demonstrators did not destroy or loot property, leaders were absent in Monday's protests.

The Standard has established that key stakeholders from the lakeside city, including senior officials from Governor Nyong'o's administration, are deliberating on how best to protect businesses.

Businesses that suffered huge losses include Imperial Sarova Hotel, a mall and Pitstop bar. The bar was invaded by protestors who looted goods and equipment. A building housing a bank was pelted with stones.

Demonstrators during the Kisumu mass protests on March 20 2023. [Michael Mute, Standard]

Interviews with residents established that they are opposed to the violence and want peaceful protests against the high cost of living.

Moses Ouma, a resident of Kondele, said past protests have been peaceful and blamed thugs for infiltrating the protests.

"We will continue protesting, and we hope it will be peaceful," he said. In a statement, Nyong'o condemned the destruction. "These criminals posing as opposition supporters stoned and damaged part of a hotel, a bank, a supermarket and a shopping mall," said Nyong'o.

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