GSU keep vigil in Kisii streets ahead of anti-government demos

---

Most businesses in Kisii remained shut at 9 am on Wednesday following planned anti-government demos by Azimio.

Heavy security patrols by regular police and the General Service Unit were visible in the streets in anticipation of chaos.

Capital Round About, the epicentre of protests, was encircled by police in full riot gear.

At least two water cannons were seen patrolling the restive town to keep protesters from grouping.

At the bus park, little business was witnessed as most matatu operators, for fear of destruction, pulled their vehicles from business.

Most streets reported the cautious opening of businesses.

Jane Kerubo, a cloth seller, said she would return home for fear of violence.

"Being safe is good despite hard times than getting maimed and becoming a bother to an already struggling family," she told the Star as she returned the merchandise to the store.

Masimba ward rep Bouse Mairura, however, castigated the protests by Azimio.

"We cannot burn the little we have built over the years on the altar of violence," he told the Star in Ramasha, Masaba South.

In Kisii, nominated Chief Administrative Secretary for Foreign Affairs Joash Maangi and flamboyant Kitutu Chache North politician Don Bosco also urged for calm.

Separately, a Kisii court released on bond all the 27 suspects rounded up last Friday for participating in the Saba Saba protests.

They were given a Sh30,000 each in cash bail.

This occurred as lawyers protested the arrest of ODM regional chair Kerosi Ondieki.