“Your decision to stay calm and continue your daily activities reflects the region’s commitment to stability, dialogue, and constructive engagement,” the statement reads.
KISUMU, May 2026 -The Kisumu County Assembly has strongly rejected calls for street protests, urging residents instead to engage in dialogue as the country grapples with rising fuel prices.
Led by Speaker Elisha Oraro, the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) issued a joint press statement on Monday, praising the people of Kisumu and the wider Nyanza region for choosing calm over chaos.
The assembly acknowledged the significant financial strain on local families and businesses due to the increased cost of living.
However, the leadership pointed out that the crisis is closely linked to global geopolitical tensions, specifically citing the ongoing US-Israeli-Iran conflict, which has severely disrupted international oil markets.
“As representatives of the people, we fully understand the challenges that rising fuel prices have imposed on households, businesses, and the cost of living,” Speaker Oraro stated. “These concerns are legitimate and demand urgent attention.”
The assembly leaders revealed they are aligning with the strategy outlined by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader and Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga, to pursue diplomatic and domestic interventions with President William Ruto and relevant stakeholders instead of engaging in mass action.
They also outlined their current multi-pronged approach, including actively engaging relevant government agencies and stakeholders to find practical, domestic solutions for citizens.
“There’s a need to push for legislative frameworks that protect consumer welfare during global economic shocks, and to keep the local economy functioning by discouraging disruptive strikes,” Oraro clarified.
The lawmakers expressed deep gratitude to the residents of Nyanza for rejecting recent calls to take to the streets, viewing the decision to maintain daily routines as a sign of considerable political maturity.
“Your decision to stay calm and continue your daily activities reflects the region’s commitment to stability, dialogue, and constructive engagement,” the statement read.
They also thanked the people of Kisumu County and Nyanza as a region because they have chosen dialogue over street protests.
“Let us avoid street protests because everyone knows we have been protesting frequently. Instead, let us select a different path,” the lawmakers appealed.
The assembly concluded with a strong appeal for patriotism, urging residents to uphold law and order while leaders negotiate practical solutions to ease the fuel burden.
