Police and protesters in Kisumu took a short break to quench their thirst after hours of a running battle on Monday, March 20.
Law enforcers tasked with maintaining calm in the region could be seen exchanging pleasantries with hawkers and other residents after they purchased water and bought soft drinks.
In the background, there was a visible relative calm before protests resumed. A largely peaceful demonstration, however, quickly turned chaotic, with property of untold value destroyed.
The rioters further vandalised United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party officers and set a car ablaze.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o was among the leaders who condemned the act, pointing fingers at goons accused of infiltrating the crowds.
In the statement, he pleaded with police officers to arrest the accused while protecting the lives of innocent protesters.
“These criminals posing as opposition supporters stoned and damaged part of a hotel, a bank, a supermarket and a shopping mall within the Central Business District.
“I wish to appeal to the police to urgently open investigations to not only identify and arrest the culprits but to establish if it could be true that they had been sponsored by some groups or individuals to tarnish the name of Kisumu residents and Azimio La Umoja supporters as violent,” the governor stated.
A Maseno University student was also shot dead in the scuffle, with reports alleging that he joined violent protesters breaking into a Police Line.
In another hilarious incident in Kisumu, a protestor arrested carrying a Sufuria and spoon begged the police officers to either release or take him home.
“I was coming from a Posho Mill when I came across this Sufuria. I have not thrown any stones or taken part in demonstrations. Please take me home,” he cried.
Meanwhile, a woman went viral in Nairobi when she stripped and walked to the top of a police van to take a deserved break after a day of demonstrations.
Another protestor was arrested by police officers carrying a yellow coffin advocating for a low cost of living.
