Kisumu peaceful, businesses shut during anti-government protests

Most businesses in Kisumu remained closed on Tuesday with minimal movement witnessed during the anti-government protests.

The town remained peaceful even as demonstrations began around 11.30 am with the youths matching along the streets chanting anti-government slogans.

However, the protests did not last an hour as the protestors were dispersed by police using teargas canisters along Kenyatta Avenue as they headed towards Patels Roundabout.

The young protestors did not manage to make their way to the CBD even past the Main Bus Terminus.

There was heavy presence of police officers who were manning different routes and areas.

Residents largely stayed indoors with only a few shops being opened as early as 8 am.

A section of supermarkets that were opened continued with business even as police officers manned their entrances.

Banks were also operational.

At Kondele grounds, some of the opened businesses were operating as usual apart from the public transport that remained paralysed.

The streets within the area were clean with only a few youths and locals standing by.

Officers also stood and watched while others sat opposite the roundabout.

Near Patel's roundabout, a police Land Cruiser stationed with officers remained parked, its occupants inside, as a precautionary measure.

The same was seen along the Kisumu Boys Roundabout where police officers in two land Cruisers stood on watch while another packed along the Kisumu Nairobi Highway.

Another police Land Cruiser was seen patrolling along the streets.

On the way to the airport, there were police officers manning the Nyanza Glof Club Roundabout leading to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Earlier,  locals had thought that the planned demonstrations would not take place owing to the fact that by around 10 am there were no signs of gathering protestors.

On normal occasions, during planned protests,  by 9 am, the area is normally full of young people who converge at the spot before commencing the protests.

However, by 10.30, they were nowhere to be seen.

At Kachok areas, a similar calm was witnessed as people assembled.

Out of town in Ahero, locals in the area had lit bonfires at Ahero Bridge paralysing transport activities within the area.

Police at some point had to disperse the people using teargas canisters.

Two people were shot by rubber bullets and are currently being treated at Ahero Subcounty hospital