Kisumu Gen Z protesters confronted by goons, forced to retreat

A group of youths in Kisumu on Wednesday reading out a petition before they were disrupted by goons. [Rodgers Otiso, Standard]

What began as a calm morning in Kisumu as Gen Z youth marked the anniversary of the June 25, 2024, Anti-Finance Bill protests took a tense turn after a group of goons disrupted a peaceful petition event.

Earlier in the day, business operations remained normal, though the streets were sparsely populated.

By around 11:00 am, activity picked up, with more people seen moving about the Central Business District and no signs of demonstrations.

However, tension erupted when a group of Gen Z youths gathered at Taifa Park near the Governor's office to read a petition addressed to the police. The petition demanded justice for over 60 young people allegedly killed during last year's protests against the Finance Bill.

Just as they were concluding their press briefing, a group of unidentified men riding motorbikes stormed the venue. Witnesses said the group appeared coordinated, charging toward the youths while shouting, "Hakuna maandamano Kisumu, tokeni hapa!" (There are no protests in Kisumu, leave this place!). The confrontation forced the youths to flee in different directions.

One of the disruptors claimed they were not opposed to demonstrations but insisted that Kisumu should remain peaceful.

"We are taking instructions from Raila Odinga. If he supports protests, we will support them. If not, there should be no mandamano here. We've already lost many lives," he said, adding that demonstrations should not interfere with businesses or traffic.

He claimed not to represent any formal group but appeared to be leading the disruptive team.

Despite the confrontation, the youths who were chased away condemned the incident and reiterated that their gathering was peaceful and non-violent. "We are not here to loot or destroy property. We are only calling for justice for those killed during last year's protests. We want accountability, not chaos," one of them said.

The traditionally volatile areas of Kondele, Nyawita, and Nyalenda remained peaceful till now.