Kisumu governor Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o has issued a public notice suspending all demonstrations in the county effective Wednesday, March 29, 2023.
The governor through the public notice has directed the demonstrators to join their counterparts in Nairobi if they wish to show solidarity with them.
“All public demonstrations within Kisumu County have from today been suspended indefinitely so that we can join demonstrations in Nairobi,” directed Nyong’o.
The suspension comes after several reports of property destruction within and outside Kisumu city following the demonstrations, which have entered the second week.
The demonstrations have also contributed to the reduced daily revenue collection in the country due to stalled business and transport.
Prof Nyong’o has pleaded with the residents in Kisumu County to work closely with the security officers to maintain peace for the security of property.
“I would like to appeal to the people of Kisumu to work in tandem with the law enforcement officers to maintain peace and security in our county,” the notice reads.
However, the suspension of the demonstrations contrasts Azimio’s call to all Kenyans to condemn the high costs of living characterized by the sharp rise of prices for basic commodities.
Although, the governor said that he supports the quest by the Azimio One Kenya coalition in the struggle for democracy in Kenya.
“The people of Kisumu remain committed to the aspirations of Azimio and its campaign for a better Kenya,” said the governor.
The suspensions also come just a day ahead of Thursday’s demonstrations as directed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
With the reports of attacks on former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s Northlands farm, the question unanswered is, could this be a sign of Azimio growing cold feet in their alleged movement for defence and democracy?
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