Businesses closed, roads barricaded as mass protests resume in Nyanza

Rowdy youth light bonfires on the Kisumu-Kakamega road. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Business activities have stopped in several parts of Nyanza as Azimio's mass protests resumed. There was a lull in normal operations in almost all the key towns in the region as youths began barricading roads and lit bonfires.

In Migori, protestors woke up as early as 5 am to block the Migori-Isebania highway with boulders.

"I had released my son at 6:30 am and expected him to be in school but I was shocked when he returned. He told me they could not pass past Soko Mjinga market as the whole place was blocked," Ms. Hellen Ouma said.

Residents stay indoors

Business premises in Migori town are closed as business people fear being caught up in the demonstrations.

"I'm forced to stay indoors. I will not be able to make any sale with the demonstrations," Ms. Pamela Adhiambo a trader who sells her wares in Migori town said.

Protestors started engaging police in running battles as early as 7 am.

The police were forced to throw teargas canisters severally to disperse the protestors.

Kisumu City streets deserted

In Kisumu, major streets remain deserted amid tension. There is a heavy police presence in most parts of the city.

Protesters have lit bonfires in parts of the town including Kondele, Kibuye and Jua Kali and clouds of thick smoke can be seen in the city's skyline.

In Kondele, groups of youth began converging early Tuesday as they chanted anti-government slogans. By 9 a.m., police were yet to begin dispersing them.

Protestors harassed a few motorists who were going about their businesses, and they also blocked part of the Kisumu-Kakamega highway with boulders.

In Bondo, Homa Bay, and Siaya towns, several businesses remain closed.