Mix of uneasy calm, running battles mark day in Nyanza and Western

Uneasy calm, disruption of businesses and violent protests rocked some towns in Nyanza and Western region as Kenyans marked the first anniversary since the bloody last year's protests.

There was relative calm in Kisumu, Migori, Vihiga and Siaya as residents largely kept away from protests. In Kisumu, an attempt by a group of youth to demonstrate ended prematurely after suspected goons attacked them.

But despite the calm, several businesses remained closed while public service vehicles were also missing at the major bus parks.

In Kakamega and Busia, however, police officers engaged protesters in running battles for the better part of the day.

At around 9am, Kakamega town was deserted. However, at around 11am, a group kicked off their procession with candles in remembrance of young people killed last year.

The youth  distanced themselves from another group that was seen carrying crowbars and stones, and robbing people and looting businesses.

"We are doing our procession in peace and order. We have commemorated our brothers and sisters who were killed by police last year by lighting candles. We received information that some politicians have sent goons to infiltrate our demos. We have been able to get rid of them, and we will not allow politicians to take advantage of the anniversary to settle political scores," said Tarrick Mfalme.

Faith Eshitera said the goons had been paid by to settle political scores.

However, at around 12pm, most traders closed their businesses as tensions flared. Some youth lit bonfires, engaging police in running battles, looting some shops and vandalising property.

Peaceful demonstrations were witnessed in Busia town in the morning. Youth carried placards bearing names and photos of the deceased, chanting slogans demanding justice and accountability from the government.

“We are here for our brothers and sisters who died while fighting for a better Kenya. Their blood will not be in vain. But we also want to warn anyone who intends to loot or use this protest for selfish reasons we will not allow it. Anyone caught stealing will be dealt with harshly. This is a sacred march,” said one of them.

The demonstrators also condemned police brutality and called for an end to extrajudicial killings.

“We want freedom to express ourselves without fear of being killed. The pain of losing a child is only truly known by a woman. Stop turning guns on our children,” said Lilian Atieno.

In Migori, businesses went on as usual even as protests rocked the neighbouring Homa Bay County.

Joshua Omondi, a member of the Bunge la Wananchi, asked lawmakers to ensure that families of those who lost their lives or were injured in the last year’s protests are compensated.

A section of transporters lamented about low passengers turnout.

Desmond Odhiambo said there has been tension after some rowdy youths lit bonfires and destroyed shops. "They attacked someone and stole his belongings from his car. It is not good at all. Some pretend to be protesting yet they are thieves." 

Victor Onyango, a boda boda rider in Migori town, also said business was low. 

"Youths had started protesting but I am happy police came and controlled it and cleared the road. Some of those who had joined the protests wanted to steal," he said.

Clinton Otieno said he would plant a tree in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

Report by Benard Lusigi, Olivia Odhiambo, Mary Imenza, Brian Kisanji, Anne Atieno, James Omoro, Juliet Omelo and Rogers Otiso