Kondele residents queue to register as voters amid ongoing preparations for Gen Z memorial protests in other areas, June 25, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
Residents of Kisumu largely stayed away from the planned Gen Z protest memorial activities on Thursday, opting instead to participate in voter registration drives as the country marked the anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
In Kondele, an area historically associated with political protests and street demonstrations, scores of young people turned up at makeshift Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) voter registration centres to enlist as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The turnout came a day after a section of youth leaders, traders and residents staged peaceful counter-demonstrations opposing the June 25 memorial protests.
The group marched from Kisumu's Central Business District to Kondele, urging young people to embrace dialogue and civic participation instead of taking to the streets.
Participants argued that renewed demonstrations could disrupt businesses and affect livelihoods at a time when many traders are still recovering from previous periods of unrest.
They also cited the need to safeguard ongoing development projects and maintain stability in the region.
Thursday's voter registration exercise was viewed by some residents as an alternative avenue for young people to influence leadership and governance through the ballot rather than street protests.
The developments highlighted differing approaches among Kenyan youth as the country commemorated the events of June 25, 2024, when anti-Finance Bill demonstrations swept across the country and culminated in the storming of Parliament.
While memorial activities and protests were planned in several towns and cities, Kisumu remained relatively calm, with many residents choosing to go about their daily activities and participate in voter registration drives.
Kondele residents queue to register as voters amid ongoing preparations for Gen Z memorial protests in other areas, June 25, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
A voter registration poster in Kondele as residents queue in the background to register as voters amid ongoing preparations for Gen Z memorial protests in other areas, June 25, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
Kondele residents queue to register as voters amid ongoing preparations for Gen Z memorial protests in other areas, June 25, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
IEBC clerks wait to register Kondele as voters amid ongoing preparations for Gen Z memorial protests in other areas, June 25, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
Kondele residents queue to register as voters amid ongoing preparations for Gen Z memorial protests in other areas, June 25, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
Kisumu businesses operating normally as residents keep away from the Gen Z commemorative protests, June 25, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
Kisumu businesses operating normally as residents keep away from the Gen Z commemorative protests, June 25, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
Kisumu businesses operating normally as residents keep away from the Gen Z commemorative protests, June 25, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
Kisumu businesses operating normally as residents keep away from the Gen Z commemorative protests, June 25, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
Kisumu businesses operating normally as residents keep away from the Gen Z commemorative protests, June 25, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
Kisumu businesses operating normally as residents keep away from the Gen Z commemorative protests, June 25, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
Kisumu businesses operating normally as residents keep away from the Gen Z commemorative protests, June 25, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
