As thousands of youth poured into the streets in major cities to commemorate protesters who lost their lives during last year’s anti-government demonstrations, the situation in Kisumu remained largely calm on Wednesday morning.
A spot check by Kenyans.co.ke revealed that the main streets of the lakeside city were mostly empty, although some residents were going about their daily activities. Most of the roads appeared deserted, with far fewer personal vehicles and matatus than usual.
Despite the relative calm, many businesses in the Central Business District (CBD) remained closed, and a heavy police presence was noted across key areas. This follows the city’s history of being a flashpoint during previous protests, often marked by clashes between demonstrators and police.
Observers noted that the calm atmosphere in Kisumu could partly be attributed to the recent inclusion of opposition leader Raila Odinga - who commands significant influence in the region- into President William Ruto's broad-based government structure.
Raila's involvement is seen as having eased political tensions that have historically fuelled mass action in the area.
Protests in Kisii Town
As Kisumu remained relatively calm during the nationwide Gen Z-led memorial protests, a stark contrast unfolded in neighbouring Kisii County, where scores of youths flooded the streets in a powerful show of solidarity.
Kisii town witnessed energetic and organised demonstrations with young protesters marching through the town's CBD carrying placards and chanting anti-government slogans. The demonstrators joined their counterparts across major cities in remembering those who lost their lives during last year’s deadly protests.
Shops remained closed in parts of the town as the protestors occupied the main streets, forcing even public transport to temporarily divert routes. The mood was charged, but largely peaceful, as the youth demanded justice for the fallen and called for reforms in governance.
Teargas in Nairobi CBD
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, the protests escalated significantly, with riot police lobbing teargas canisters across major streets in the CBD to disperse demonstrators.
Protesters and police have been involved in running battles, disrupting traffic flow on most major roads leading to the CBD, including the Thika Superhighway. Most businesses have remained closed. Key roads in the city centre, including Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue and Kimathi Street, have descended into chaos, with police intensifying their efforts to block access to government buildings.
Security barriers were mounted outside Parliament, with access to critical installations such as the State House and government offices cordoned off from the public.
In Mombasa, an almost similar situation unfolded with the youth marching through the major streets within the CBD to mark the commemoration of the youth who lost their lives.
In Nakuru, the youth blocked major streets while marching across the CBD as police followed closely to monitor the situation.
