Chaos in Kisumu as pro-Azimo group disrupt peace demo

Peaceful demonstrations by hundreds of Kisumu were on Sunday disrupted by armed supporters of Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

The supporters who were armed with stones and clubs pelted the demonstrators with stones forcing them to run for their safety.

Led by ODM official Obungu Owich, the agitated youths charged towards the peaceful protesters who were promoting peace at the United Mall area before police arrived at the scene.

Raila's supporters said those holding peaceful demonstrations were opposing the planned Monday mass action.

"You cannot come here to oppose Raila for his quest to push for the government to address the plights facing Kenyans. We cannot allow those not supporting Raila," the youths were heard saying.

The police under command of Nyanza regional police commander Karanja Muiruri swiftly dispersed the ODM youths who had started to barricade the road and restored sanity.

Several officers were strategically deployed on the streets ready to counter the rioters.

Some of the police vehicles were stoned by the group that claimed allegiance to Raila.

The peaceful demonstrators kicked off their procession at Russia quarters in Kondele ward in Kisumu Central sub-county carrying banners and placards with peace and dialogue messages and marched to City's CBD to promote peace.

The demonstrations brought together various civil society groups including human rights defenders who want the constitution to be respected as well as embrace dialogue to problems facing Kenyans.

UDA party supporters in Kisumu have condemned the attack on the peaceful protesters saying such acts should not be tolerated.

Kisumu Central Sub-county UDA acting chairman Cliff Natome call for action against those behind the attack.

"It is very regrettable the kind of attack against peaceful demonstraters. This is unacceptable," Natome said.

He reiterated their support for President William Ruto saying he needs time to deliver on his development agenda.