Normalcy reigns in Kisii during Gen Z anniversary protests

Kisii Central Business District remained calm on Thursday with most of the residents conducting their daily activities even as the country marked the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests.

A spot check by KNA across the town revealed that businesses were open as usual and public transport was operating normally, with traffic flowing steadily along the Kisii-Migori highway.

A heavy presence of anti-riot police officers was also witnessed across the Kisii CBD and the neighbouring estates to maintain order and protect lives and property in case of demonstrations.

Speaking to the press in Kisii town, one of the residents, Bob Kiboma said the town was relatively calm and most of the traders had opened their businesses.

He noted that every citizen had a right to protest and cautioned the Gen Z demonstrators against using the forums to destroy businesses and government property.

Pius Matoke, a trader, called for political tolerance and encouraged the youth to maintain peace during the protests.

Matoke urged political leaders to avoid inciting the residents against each other, saying the economy can only thrive in a peaceful environment.

Similarly, Nigel Mackenzie, a Gen Z, encouraged the young people to engage the government in an amicable manner to avoid the loss of lives that occurred during the previous demonstrations.

Charles Okemwa, a boda boda rider, noted that despite the businesses operating normally, most of the clients had stayed away from the CBD for fear of violence associated with the protests.

Okemwa urged the government to address the grievances of the young people so that the country can focus on promoting development and uplifting the lives of Kenyans.

He also encouraged the residents to elect leaders based on their development track record instead of party affiliations or political stands in the next year’s General Election.

Another resident, Josephine Ondieki, told the elected leaders to introduce and pass Bills aimed at improving the lives of Kenyans, and not for selfish gains.

According to Ondieki, the protests have been necessitated by the tough economic times currently being witnessed across the country.

In June 2024, thousands of young people took to the streets to protest against the proposed tax hikes, prompting the government to withdraw the controversial finance bill.