- Most shops, supermarkets and offices were opened as people went about their normal businesses.
- This include schools that were deserted on Mondays and Thursdays during the demos that turned chaotic and saw destruction of properties across the city.
Image: FAITH MATETE
Businesses resumed normalcy on Monday within Lakeside city following the calling off of the demos by Azimio Leader Raila Odinga.
Most shops, supermarkets, and offices were open as people went about their normal businesses.
This includes schools that were deserted on Mondays and Thursdays during the demos that turned chaotic and saw the destruction of properties across the city.
Most of the locals including the business people welcomed the move saying this was the right direction for the country.
However, others claimed that this could be a trap or a way for Raila to call off the demonstrations.
Joshua Odhiambo Nyamori, an Advocate and also a UDA activist in Kisumu, congratulated both the President and Raila for cooling off the political tension in the country and giving a chance to dialogue.
Nyamori said the move is a show of statesmanship.
"At the end of the day, Kenya wins as a nation when we sit down and talk," he said.
Nyamori however asked hardliners from both sides to therefore give the President a chance to move the country forward through the latest intervention.
"On behalf of UDA members in Nyanza, I wish to express our unflinching support to the President for this intervention that has assured Kenyans of peace even as he leads us in the national endeavor of reducing poverty and enhancing economic growth and development through the 'Bottom Up' Approach."
Human Rights Activist Audi Ogada who also welcomed the move said during the protest, criminals took advantage to destroy and loot properties and even attack journalists who were doing their work.
He said through dialogue, Raila should ensure some of the issues affecting the common mwananchi, such as the high cost of living amongst others are put on the forefront.
Audi said the calling off of the demos has prevented a lot of bloodsheds that could have been witnessed during the upcoming protests.
He asked for justice for the people who were killed during the demos, property destroyed, and those injured during the process.
"As we go for dialogue, let us not forget these people during the talks," he said.
Local business people told the Star the move will see them recover from the losses incurred due to the past demos.
"We thank God, this is what we have been waiting for. We hope that all the matters at hand will be addressed so that we don't go back to demos," said Milka Oluoch.
She added people are now walking freely in town without being worried about any attack from some members of the public.
Ben Mogeni, a boda boda operator, said they hope this is just the beginning of better things ahead including peace.
"We saw the President talk and we hope he has put in a mechanism to address the issues of the high cost of living amongst others."