Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’s suspension of anti-government protests in Kisumu continues to elicit mixed reactions from residents.
While some welcomed the move, others said they are against the suspension, saying demos will go on as planned.
Residents who spoke to the Star said the protests were called for a particular reason, and that's why they are being done in the counties, not just in Nairobi.
John Okello, a community mobiliser in Obunga, said it's Raila Odinga who called the demos and not the governor, hence he has no right to cancel it.
Okello said they are going to petition the Obunga police station so that they can have the peaceful protest on Thursday.
He said they will be demonstrating against the high cost of living, freedom of the media, education and even opening of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission servers.
"Until Raila Odinga comes out and suspends the Kisumu demos, we are going to demonstrate without any interference," Okello said. "If the governor has an issue with the demos, we must be told as stakeholders."
Fredrick Omondi said their leader is Raila, hence will not take the suspension by the governor as serious.
Another resident, Elijah Ojong, also dismissed Nyong'o's ban, saying that he has never participated in the demos apart from the Monday one, where he led protestors to Nyamasaria.
"We are the people feeling the heat of high cost of living on the ground, we are the people protesting every now and then, so the governor cannot just sit and make such a decision affecting our rights as the people of Kisumu," he said.
"So the governor wants us to travel to Nairobi every Monday and Thursday for the demos, yet we can do it here in Kisumu, will they be giving is the transport?"
A businesswoman, Wilfrida Anyango, told the Star that the demos within the lakeside city has caused them a lot.
"This is a bold move and step taken by the governor and should be supported by all the stakeholders within the lakeside city,"she said, adding that in the past demos they witnessed destruction of property and even loss of lives.
Resident Josephine Juma said there a youths who take advantage of the demos to harass and steal from women after such protests.
"We have witnessed this in every road block in Nyakenda and Kondele, amongst other areas, hence we totally support this move by the governor. At least we will continue with our normal business both on Mondays and Thursdays," Auma said.
Audi Ogada, human rights defender, thanked Nyong'o for taking the bold move to stop the demonstrations. He said the demos, which have their intended purpose including the issues of high cost of living and opening the servers, were infiltrated by different groups causing mayhem.
He said the protests have turned into muggings and injuring of the residents, even erecting of illegal roadblocks where some youths extort and even steal from people.
On Wednesday, Nyong'o indefinitely suspended demonstrations in the county. His announcement came hours before the planned protests by Azimio on Thursday.
The governor said the Azimio National Council in consultation with the Kisumu county executive had resolved that the Kisumu team will join demonstrations in Nairobi.
"The people of Kisumu should remain committed to the aspirations of Azimio and its campaign for a better Kenya," Nyong'o said.
(edited by Amol Awuor)