Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has ordered the suspension of any form of public demonstrations in Kisumu town.
The directive comes barely a day to Thursday’s mass action called by the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga.
Mr Raila had announced mass demonstrations every Monday and Thursday per week to push the government to act on the demands of the opposition.
In a notice issued to newsrooms on Wednesday, Prof Nyong’o stated that they have now turned their focus to the national demonstration in Nairobi.
“The cabinet has resolved that all public demonstrations within Kisumu County have from today (Wednesday) been suspended indefinitely so that we can join the demonstrations in Nairobi,” read the statement.
At the same time, Prof Nyong’o expressed his administration’s commitment to upholding the aspirations of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya to petition the government to reduce the high cost of living.
“We have delivered the message and expressed our resolve to stand with the Azimio La Umoja leader, Raila Odinga in his quest for Justice,” stated Nyong’o.
He appealed to Kisumu residents to collaborate with the law enforcers to enhance peace and security in the region.
In the previous two protests, the Azimio supporters in the lakeside county engaged in peaceful protests that eventually turned chaotic and violent.
The city was turned into a ghost town with businesses and transport activities paralysed as protesters engaged police in running battles.
Two people including a university student were shot dead with many individuals nursing injuries during the previous anti-government protests in Kisumu.
Ugly scenes were also witnessed during the melee as the public pelted the anti-riot police officers with stones, business ventures were looted and property of an unknown value was destroyed.
However, the County leaders have apportioned blame to some opportunistic goons sponsored by certain political outfits to cause violence and taint the image of Kisumu residents.
By Robert Ojwang’
