Kisumu City witnessed minimal activity and slow movement on Wednesday morning,
despite planned anti-government demonstrations expected to be led by Gen Z
youth.
Government offices, supermarkets, and banks
remained open as usual, while some businesses, especially small retail outlets,
stayed closed as owners expressed fear over possible disruptions during the
protests.
In Kondele, a traditional hotspot for
demonstrations and the area where protests were expected to kick off, normalcy
prevailed.
There were no signs of gatherings or
preparations for protests as of mid-morning.
At the Kisumu Bus Park, activity was ongoing,
though fewer vehicles and commuters were seen compared to normal weekdays.
Most shops around the area were open, though
shop owners admitted to being cautious.
Elijah Onyango, a shop owner in Kisumu’s
central business district, said he was waiting to assess the situation before
fully opening for the day.
“If by 11 a.m. nothing happens, I’ll go ahead and open my shop,” he said.
Another trader, Martha Peter, who operates a
shop at the Kisumu Bus Park, said she felt reassured after hearing from
officials at the terminus that they were not supporting the protest.
“I feel safe knowing most of our people are
not for the protests,” she noted.
At Kibuye Market, a Nyumba Kumi seller who requested anonymity said she had no choice but to work.
“I have two children in high school, and it’s
just a few days before they return. I have to find daily bread and money for
fees,” she said.
“Yesterday, we saw residents on the news saying
they are not for demos. You saw what people in Kondele said, so I doubt anyone
will come out today.”
Despite
reports of calm and limited movement across the city, residents remain alert,
with many choosing a wait-and-see approach as the day unfolds.
