Trade disrupted as mass protests back

Police arrest one of the protestors who engaged them in running battles in Mathare 4A on May 2, 2023. [Collins Kweyu, Standard] Mass protests resumed on Tuesday, resulting in the paralysis of business in several parts of Nyanza. Almost all key towns in the region experienced a lull in normal operations, with youths barricading roads and lighting bonfires. In Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Rongo, anti-riot police officers engaged protestors in running battles for the better part of the day. In Migori, protestors blocked the Migori-Isebania highway with boulders as early as 5am, making the road impassable. Additionally, several schools were affected, and learning was paralysed, with some learners forced to return home after the routes they use to get to school were blocked by the protestors. "I had released my son at 6.30am and expected him to be in school but I was shocked when he returned. He told me they could not pass Soko Mjinga market as the whole place was blocked," Hellen Ouma, a parent, told The Standard. Business premises in Migori town were shut as traders feared being caught up in the demonstrations. "I'm forced to stay indoors. I will not be able to make any sale with the demonstrations on," said Pamela Adhiambo. Protestors engaged police in running battles as early as 7am, forcing them to fire tear gas. In Kisumu, major streets remained deserted, with a heavy police presence in parts of the city. Police successfully barred protestors from accessing the central business district. Clouds of smoke from bonfires lit in Kondele, Kibuye, and Jua Kali areas of the town billowed above the city. At Kondele, groups of youth chanted anti-government slogans as they converged. By 9am, police had yet to begin dispersing the demonstrators. The protestors harassed motorists and also blocked part of the Kisumu-Kakamega highway with boulders. Anti-riot police officers repulsed attempts by goons to loot a supermarket at Kibuye by firing tear gas. Businesses remained closed in Bondo, Homa Bay, and Siaya towns as groups began to converge. Youth barricaded the Homa Bay-Rongo highway as well as other key roads in the region, leading to a noticeable absence of motorists. The protestors lit tires beside the road to express their anger against what they termed high cost of living, which they wanted lowered. According to the Speaker of Homa Bay Bunge la Wenye Nchi, Walter Opiyo, some families cannot afford a meal every day due to the high cost of living. A resident, Ken Ouma, urged the government to be realistic when announcing the cost of maize flour. "The government says the cost of maize flour has gone down to about Sh150, yet it is still Sh200 or 210 in Homa Bay," said Mr Ouma. In Vihiga County, a handful of protestors took to the streets at Majengo and Mbale towns where they protested at the high cost of living, high taxes, electoral injustice and excessive use of police powers. "We want Ruto to end our sufferings," chanted the demonstrators led by Vihiga Youth Caucus leader Boniface Titi Malea. Elsewhere, Nakuru, Mombasa, Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Trans Nzoia and Eldoret counties remained calm as residents went about their business. The residents said they were optimistic that political leaders will find a lasting solution to the grievances raised by Azimio. A section of leaders from Embu County criticised Azimio leaders over the protests, saying that they are the cause of the worsening economy. Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku said that the demonstrations were only making the economic situation worse, while Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji said that Azimio leader Raila Odinga's strategy was to derail the Kenya Kwanza Government. Mr Mukunji also urged former President Uhuru Kenyatta to retire honourably and allow President Ruto to work for the people. [Anne Atieno, James Omoro, Olivia Odhiambo, Brian Kisanji, Lydiah Nyawira and Muriithi Mugo]

Trade disrupted as mass protests back

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.

Related Topics

Popular this week

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

DIGGER JOBS

Digger Motors

Digger Real Estate

Trade disrupted as mass protests back

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Stand With Bold Journalism. Stand With The Standard.

Related Topics

Trending Now

Popular this week

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.