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Protesters lit bonfires in Kisii as police lob teargas to disperse them

The protesters said they were unhappy with the skyrocketing cost of living.

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by JAMES MBAKA

News07 July 2023 - 09:31
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In Summary


  • Meanwhile, security patrols were especially intensified in downtown Kisii to forestall disruption of the ongoing Agricultural show.
  • A few students attending the event were caught up in the melee during the chaotic protests.

Protesters in Kisii spilt into the streets to protest the high cost of living on Friday.

Access roads had lit tyres as youth engaged police in running battles.

Along the Kisii-Kilgoris roads, bonfires had been lit.

Police in riot gear led by county commander Charles Kasses were forced to lob tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters.

In certain instances, they forced the police to retreat.

Similar scenes were witnessed along the Kisii-Keroka road where youth barricaded roads.

Those who addressed journalists said they were unhappy with the skyrocketing cost of living.

"This government rode on the trust of the masses to win but it is now imposing punitive taxes on us," Manases Austin said.

The protests, he said, will go on till President William Ruto acts on the spiralling cost of living.

Daniel Nyabwari, also a protester, said the protests in Kisii were spontaneous adding that nobody sponsored them.

"We all got ourselves here because we are angry with the government, the cost of every basic item is hitting the roof yet those in authority are aloof and disconnected from the pain we are going through," he said.

"He pushed for reductions on fuel saying the high cost of living anywhere is a recipe for chaos."

Joseph Obwoge, a youth, dismissed the notion that Kisii residents have no problem with food costs.

"Those selling the narrative that Kisii has no problem with food are selfish, we know them. We are as much affected as any other Kenyan," he said.

Meanwhile, security patrols were especially intensified in downtown Kisii to forestall disruption of the ongoing Agricultural show.

A few students attending the event were caught up in the melee during the chaotic protests.

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