Mass action: Businesses remain closed in Kisumu as protesters light bonfires

Most businesses in Kisumu were on Monday, March 27, 2023, closed as owners feared looting ahead of today's planned Azimio mass protests.

As early as 8am, protesters had lit bonfires along the roads leading to Kibuye Market and Kondele in readiness for the mass action announced by Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

In Migori town, protesters barricaded Isebania-Migori-Kisii Highway bringing business operations in the area to a halt.

In Bondo, Siaya County little activities were reported as protesters took to the streets in protest over high cost of living.

Odinga has vowed not to back down until the government meets his demands, which include lowering the cost of living, opening Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) servers, and stopping the process of appointing new IEBC commissioners.

Police Inspector-General Japhet Koome has since declared the protests illegal, promising to deal ruthlessly with those who break the law.

This is how the situation looked like in Kisumu and Kibuye market areas on Monday morning.

Protesters lit bonfires along the road leading to Kibuye Market in Kisumu on Monday, March 27, 2023. [Harold Odhiambo, Standard]

Most businesses remained closed in Kisumu on Monday, March 27, 2023, ahead of the Azimio mass protests. [Harold Odhiambo, Standard]

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Protesters along Isebania-Migori-Kisii Highway in Migori County on Monday, March 27, 2023. [Caleb Kingwara,Standard]

Azimio supporters in Bondo, Siaya County demonstrate against the high cost of living on Monday, March 27, 2023. [Isaiah Gwengi,Standard]

More to follow...