Calm has returned to Kisumu City three days after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared William Ruto President-elect.
Businesses on the outskirts of the city have resumed even though some establishments within the Central Business District (CBD) remained closed.
At Kibuye market, the largest open-air market in the area, traders resumed operations after closing on Monday following protests sparked by the announcement of presidential election results.
Joseph Owino, a trader at the market, said calm had been restored after leaders assured Azimio supporters in the area that all avenues were being pursued to ensure justice is done.
Owino said the traders had resolved to embrace one another and exercise restraint as they wait for the law to take its course.
“We are all in agreement that street protests will further dent our economy which is still reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. However we appeal to the judiciary and other state agencies involved in this matter to ensure that justice is served for peace to prevail,” he said.
At Dunga beach, fishmongers complained of poor sales since the election date saying most of their customers decided to stay at home awaiting the outcome of the elections.
Public transport vehicles ferrying the perishable commodity were also withdrawn from the roads further affecting their business.
Jeniffer Awino, a fishmonger at the beach said she had been forced to sell her fish at a throw away price since she did not have the capacity to preserve it.
“I usually transport my fish to Kitale and West Pokot but since matatus were withdrawn due to political tension I was left stranded,” she said.
Meanwhile transport at the main bus park has picked up with vehicles plying the major routes restored on the roads.
However parents taking their children back to school complained of hiked fares and shortage of vehicles.
Vincent Oduor, a parent at Kanga High School said it took him two hours to get a vehicle for his son who was to report to school today.
“I think they have deliberately removed some of the vehicles from the road in order to overcharge,” he said.
By Chris Mahandara
