There were no demonstrations in Kisumu on Wednesday, despite earlier
expectations of Gen Z-led protests to mark the anniversary of the June 25,
2024, uprising.
However, tension briefly flared after human
rights activists and a few Gen Z youth were dispersed while addressing the
press at Jamhuri Park.
The group was issuing a media briefing before
submitting a petition when another group of youths arrived on motorbikes and
ordered them to disperse, warning that they did not want anyone at the
location.
The activists fled in panic, seeking refuge
inside the Deputy County Commissioner’s (DC) compound, where police officers
were present. The youths then quickly sped off.
“It’s unfortunate that something like this can
happen right in front of law enforcement,” said one female activist.
She added:
“We were not demonstrating. We were simply giving our views to the media
when we were ambushed.”
The activists described the incident as a
violation of their constitutional rights and an indication of shrinking civic
space in Kenya.
One of them noted,
“A broad-based government without democracy is nothing,” while another
added, “This shows there is no freedom in this country.”
They further alleged that individuals pushing
the anti-protest narrative had been paid to disrupt their activities.
Meanwhile, a section of Kisumu residents
opposed to any form of protest maintained that the activists should follow
proper legal channels.
“We will not allow people to interfere with
businesses or block roads. We only listen to Raila, and he hasn’t called for
any demos,” said one resident.
The activists later dispersed without managing
to present their petition at the police station.
