Relative calm on day two of Azimio protests

Anti-riot police clear the highway along Kibra slums during day two of Azimio la Umoja protests, July 20, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard] Relative calm returned to several parts of the country on Thursday a day after ugly incidents resulted in the death of five people, gunshot injuries and the destruction of property. Apart from Nyanza which has borne the brunt of opposition protests since the Raila Odinga-led Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition told supporters to take to the streets, most counties were returning to normalcy. Most shops and other businesses unlike on Wednesday, were opened on Thursday. In Busia County, police arrested at least three suspects accused of planning illegal assembly and demonstrations. County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto said the suspects were accosted by a security surveillance team as they were organising youths to barricade roads and cause destruction. He said 10 members of the proscribed Marachi estate alia Jobless, a criminal gang terrorising residents, escaped to Uganda through the porous border when police ambushed them. Mr Rutto said the gang has been taking advantage of ongoing Azimio-led mass protests to cause mayhem, steal property and maim residents. "We are working with security agents across the border to help us smoke out the suspects in Uganda so that we can have them arrested and prosecuted," he added. In Vihiga, businesses went on as usual at Luanda and Mbale towns on day two of the Azimio protests. Police mounted checkpoints on major roads including Kakamega - Kisumu highway at Chavakali and Luanda respectively. Residents applauded the peace and calm urging Azimio leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto to hold talks to end the animosity between the opposition and the government. Kakamega and Bungoma towns experienced calm with UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala calling on Azimio leaders to embrace peace. In Rift Valley, the political bedrock of President Ruto largely remained calm. However, there was little tension in Nakuru town - the epicentre of Wednesday skirmishes that led to death and destruction of property. Protests were restricted to Nakuru Town West constituency led by MP Samuel Arama. A quick spot check revealed calm despite a heavy presence of police in Kwa Rhonda, Kaputembwo, Shababa, and Kenlands. Families mourned their loved ones believed to have been killed by police. Christopher Herman, whose brother Benjamin Imbi was shot dead, said the incident was unfortunate. He said the deceased, an orphan is survived by one child. "We only appeal for help to offer him a proper send-off. We knew him as a social man," he said. Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria said the protests are not about the cost of living but an agenda by the opposition to paralyse government operations. "The opposition should take their rightful position, if they bring a Bill to Parliament seeking to lower taxes we are ready to debate and the MPS will act," he said. Former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri who visited the area said the damage caused indicated the demonstrators had another agenda. "There was no protest but stealing and robbery. People are taking advantage of the demos to loot," he said. In the North Rift region, there was calm in most counties. Residents of Eldoret town and the neighbouring Kapsabet among other local towns, went about their businesses without a hitch. Uasin Gishu County Chairman of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Willy Kenei said business was going on smoothly. He, however, said due to the demonstrations in Nairobi, people from Eldoret have postponed their schedules because they could not travel. Nandi KNCCI chairman Elly Chepkwony said protests in Kisumu town have indirectly affected business activities. "Street demonstrations in Kisumu town are causing a disconnect to the value chain for agricultural produce. Farmers in Nandi deliver milk produce, green and dry maize among others. Matatu operations have also been affected, leading to loss of income," noted Chepkwony. In Trans Nzoia, a section of leaders urged residents to shun destructive demonstrations and embrace peace. Led by Jackson Muganda, they called for a quick truce. "We are against destructive demonstrations. We are against police brutality. The Constitution provides for a peaceful demonstration, but some Kenyans have taken advantage to loot property. This is wrong," he said. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki issued a statement in the evening assuring Kenyans of their security and urged them to return to their normal businesses. "Public and private sector workers and business people are advised to continue with their nation building activities tomorrow," he said. He also said those responsible for destruction of property and mayhem, would be prosecuted, adding that over 300 suspects had been arrested across the country. In Embu, Water CS Alice Wahome faulted the opposition leaders for holding demonstrations. Ms Wahome, while launching water projects in Manyatta and Mbeere North constituencies, said: "It is a shame for the Azimio leaders to lead a destructive demo along Mombasa road which is the gateway to visitors who come through JKIA. The elections are over and the opposition should know that and move on," she said. ICT CS Eliud Owalo while launching free public Wi-Fi in Meru County also castigated the protests. "We are appealing to the youth to support the government and ignore calls for demonstrations," he said. [Benard Lusigi, Mary Imenza, Julius Chepkwony, Titus Too and Osinde Obare, Phares Mutembei, Lydiah Nyawira, Muriithi Mugo]

Relative calm on day two of Azimio protests

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Relative calm on day two of Azimio protests

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