A section of youth leaders in Kisumu have distanced themselves from planned demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday, urging fellow young people across the Nyanza region to avoid the protests and instead engage in peaceful, productive activities.
The youths are calling for compensation for victims of extrajudicial killings, but have stated that protests are not the solution.
Speaking during a press briefing, the youth representatives expressed concern over what they termed as a shift from the original intentions of the protests, saying the cause had been influenced by political and commercial interests.
Philip Kai, one of the youth voices, criticised the current direction of the demonstrations, stating that the initial idea of peaceful advocacy for youth welfare had been diluted.
“What began as a noble cause with a clear agenda for youth empowerment has now taken a different path,” Kai said.
“We are not part of the planned demonstrations. We urge all young people from this region to stay away from the streets and go about their normal business.”
Lawrence Ochieng, a youth representative from Kondele Ward, echoed similar sentiments, calling for unity and peace among young people across the county and the wider Nyanza region.
“As young people, we have come a long way. What we need now is peace and progress. Let’s not allow ourselves to be drawn into activities that may lead to unrest and division,” he said.
The youth leaders emphasised that while the right to demonstrate is enshrined in the Constitution, it must be exercised responsibly and not used in a manner that threatens peace or livelihoods.
Obungu Owich, speaking on behalf of the Young Leaders Progressive Forum, called for constructive dialogue rather than confrontation.
“We cannot build a nation through violence,” Owich stated.
“What we need is a conducive environment that supports peace, enterprise, and meaningful youth engagement. In Kisumu, we are part of a broader national conversation. We want peace, not chaos.”
Owich appealed to traders, hawkers, and small-scale business operators to continue with their daily activities, assuring them that local youth would not participate in the demonstrations.
He acknowledged that there are legitimate concerns among young people, including delays in HELB disbursement, unresolved cases of extrajudicial killings, and women's welfare issues, but maintained that these should be addressed through dialogue.
“We recognise the constitutional right to protest, but we believe this is not the right time for demonstrations. What we need are forums and structured conversations to address the issues affecting us,” he added.
The group called on both the national and county governments to create more space for youth engagement and policy dialogue to address the frustrations that drive many to protest.
This comes as human rights activists have announced peaceful demonstrations to mark the first anniversary of the Gen Z-led protests against the 2024 Finance Bill and the high cost of living.
Organisers, including community advocates Willy Otiende, Steven Magero, Dick Orongo, Joseph Otieno, and Boniface Akatch, are urging residents, especially the youth, to participate in what they describe as a peaceful demonstration in pursuit of justice and accountability.
“We are not calling for chaos. We want a peaceful maandamano to demand justice and recognition of the lives lost during last year’s protests,” said Akatch.
“If you’re coming to disrupt our peaceful demo, stay home. We seek justice, not violence.”
The activists are calling for government compensation for victims of police actions, including Albert Ojwang’, who died in custody, and Boniface Kariuki, who was reportedly shot while selling masks during protests in Nairobi.
They also plan to honour those who lost their lives during the 2024 demonstrations, saying their contributions should be remembered.
Participants are expected to gather at the Kondele Flyover by 8 AM and proceed to Kisumu’s Central Business District to present petitions to various offices, including the police, DCI, DPP, IPOA, and the County Commissioner.
Demonstrators have been encouraged to carry Kenyan flags, white handkerchiefs, and masks as symbols of peaceful intent.
