Governor Anyang Nyong'o suspends Azimio protests in Kisumu

Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o addressing journalists on March 14, 2023 in Migori. [Caleb Kingwara, Standard]

Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o on Wednesday, March 29 said his administration had indefinitely suspended the holding of anti-President William Ruto demos in Kisumu.

Prof. Nyong'o said he will join other protesters in Nairobi during the demos scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays by the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition.

The governor's pronouncement comes two days after he convinced demonstrators in Kisumu not to destroy property. Taking part in the peaceful protests on Monday, March 27, the county chief led the protesters away from the central business district.

"I announce that all public demonstrations within Kisumu County have from today (Wednesday, March 29), been suspended indefinitely so that we can join the demonstrations in Nairobi," Nyong'o said in a statement.

"I also announce that the people of Kisumu remain committed to the aspirations of the Azimio la Umoja coalition and its campaign for a better Kenya."

On Monday, 12 protesters in Kisumu County were injured, according to records at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu.

Two people died during the chaos. One was shot dead, while the other was lynched while attempting to steal a mobile phone.

Imperial Sarova, a mall and a bar in Kisumu are some of the commercial facilities that have borne the brunt of the demos, with property worth millions of shillings destroyed.

The protests, spearhead by Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leader Raila Odinga, are pushing for the lowering of the cost of living and access to IEBC's electronic vote transmission system.