KISUMU, Kenya July 6 –Kisumu County stakeholders have vehemently condemned plans for tomorrow’s Saba Saba protests, warning against any disruption to business and learning.
In a series of interviews, leaders from the informal sector, traders, and transport operators dismissed the demonstrations as politically motivated and vowed to resist any attempts to destabilize the city.
Mr Odhiambo Okwach, Chairman of Kisumu’s Informal Sector, noted that the protests are a ploy to undermine the government.
“We will not allow street protests in Kisumu tomorrow. This is a scheme by sympathizers of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to discredit the broad-based government,” he declared.
Okwach further alleged that buses carrying young men in black t-shirts had been spotted in the city, raising suspicions of planned chaos.
“We urge security agencies to act swiftly, by digging deep into this matter and arrest any suspicious individuals,” he added.
He clarified that while historic Saba Saba gatherings—led by figures like Martha Karua and Raila Odinga—commemorate Kenya’s fight for multi-party democracy, the current protests are “sponsored by the opposition and hiding behind vulnerable Gen Zs.”
Lillian Shadrack, a vegetable vendor at Kisumu’s Bus Park, echoed the call for peace, insisting on uninterrupted business.
“We’ve protested for years over elections and high living costs—only to lose lives. We refuse to go back to those dark days,” she said.
Bodaboda leaders also pledged not to be manipulated by politicians. Photo Courtesy.
“We won’t be used as pawns for chaos. Kisumu must remain calm,” one rider stated.
With tensions high in various parts of the country particularly in Nairobi, stakeholders are urging security forces to maintain law and order, emphasizing that Kisumu’s economy and stability must prevail.
