Mombasa County, which is perceived as an opposition stronghold, on Monday morning remained relatively peaceful despite demonstrations being witnessed in other regions of the country.
Nairobi, Migori and Kisumu counties witnessed chaos as police engaged the demonstrators in running battles on Monday morning, the day which Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga had declared that he would lead a protest to State House, Nairobi.
The ODM leader is pushing for the lowering of the cost of living and demanding the removal of President William Ruto from office, saying that his (Raila) victory was stolen during the August 9 general election.
Mombasa, which has over the years been Raila’s bastion during the election, however, did not witness any kind of street protest or closure of shops.
There were no police patrols witnessed in the town.
A few traffic officers and county askaris were on duty controlling the vehicles within the central business district.
Shops and businesses along the major roads within the Mombasa CBD; Moi Avenue, Nkrumah Road, Digo Road, Jomo Kenyatta Avenue and Abdel Nasser Road, were opened.
The residents and traders, especially those working within Mombasa town, went about their businesses undisturbed.
“We are peaceful people, but if Hassan Joho (former Mombasa Governor) was around, we would have seen some protests, I think the current leadership is peaceful,” said one of the Mombasa residents.
Joho, who is ODM deputy party leader, has been out of the country for several months now.
He has never attended any of the Raila’s nationwide People’s Baraza that had been planned ahead of today’s demonstration.
The ODM leadership in Mombasa has remained mum on their plan.
When reached for comment, ODM Mombasa County Secretary Geofrey Busaka said he would call back.
Calls to ODM chairperson Mohamed Khamis and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir also went unanswered.