Gunshots in Homa Bay town as protesters face police

Heavy gunshots have continued to rent the air as businesses remained paralysed due to protests by Azimio supporters in Homa Bay town.

For more than four hours police in the town fired in the air to disperse demonstrators.

The protesting youths continually engaged the police in running battles as they prevented them from accessing the town centre.

Protesters first set ablaze old tires along Shivling–Shauri Yako Street in the town.

Some chanting youths went to the municipal market which was opened by President William Ruto and removed the plaque.

Armed with stones and slings, the youths vowed to engage in mass action as directed by Azimio-One Kenya leader Raila Odinga.

“We will protest until the cost of living is lowered. Police shouldn’t stop because we’re fighting for our rights,” one of the youths said.

Protests gained momentum after anti-riot police blocked some MCAs who were on their way to join the youths for peaceful demonstrations, but they were dispersed using teargas.

Some youths later blocked a section of Homa Bay-Rongo and Homa Bay-Kendu Bay roads carrying timber wreckage business stalls and blocked the road leading to the Homa Bay police station and office of the county commissioner.  

Police had a hectic time repulsing the anti-government rioters as they engaged in a hide-and-seek situation.

The situation turned worse as the protesters hurled stones at the police and other security personnel who never wanted them to gain entry into the town centre.

It is reported that one of the youths sustained leg injuries in the protests.