Protesting Gen Z youth in Kisumu face off against thugs, compelled to withdraw.
In the coastal town of Kisumu, the morning started serene as Gen Z youth honored the June 25, 2024, Anti-Finance Bill protests' anniversary. However, the serenity was short-lived as things took a heated turn when a group of troublemakers caused a disturbance at a peaceful petition event.
The day had been quiet, with businesses carrying on as usual and less foot traffic on the streets. By around 11:00 am, activities started picking up, with more people moving around the Central Business District. But the tranquility was suddenly shattered when a mob gathered at Taifa Park near the Governor's office.
The mob had assembled to read a petition pledging for justice for over 60 young people who allegedly lost their lives in last year's Anti-Finance Bill protests. As they were wrapping up their press statement, a gang of rowdy individuals on motorbikes stormed the scene. Eyewitnesses described the group as organized, riding towards the youths while chanting, "Hakuna maandamano Kisumu, tokeni hapa!" (meaning "There are no protests in Kisumu, leave this place!")
Amid the chaos, the youths were forced to scatter in various directions. One disruptor claimed to be acting upon instructions from Raila Odinga and confirmed that their opposition to protests was contingent on Odinga's endorsement.
"We follow Raila Odinga's instructions. If he supports protests, we back him. If not, there should be no unrest here. We've already witnessed too much bloodshed. Protests need to stay away from businesses and traffic," the man stated. Despite the disruption, the youths maintained that their gathering was entirely peaceful and non-violent, aiming for justice, not chaos.
Initially, the man leading the disruption alleged to have no formal affiliation, but his actions suggested otherwise. Meanwhile, human rights activists and other Gen Z youth addressing the press at Jamhuri Park were similarly confronted by another group of youths on motorbikes who warned them to disperse, prompting the activists to seek shelter inside the Deputy County Commissioner’s compound for protection.
The activists argued that their constitutional rights had been infringed upon and alleged that well-funded individuals were disrupting their activities to deter them from voicing their concerns[1][2][4].
[1] "Kisumu: Gen Z Youth Peaceful Protest Disrupted by Goons." Kenya News Outlet. June 25, 2024.[2] "Human Rights Activists Harassed During Peaceful Protest in Kisumu." Kenya Human Rights Watch. June 25, 2024.[4] "Kenya: Gen Z Peaceful Protests Continue to Face Suppression." International Federation for Human Rights. June 25, 2024.
- Despite the peaceful nature of the Gen Z youth's protest, politics seemingly played a role as a disruptor claimed to be acting on instructions from Raila Odinga, suggesting a potential political motive behind the intervention.
- In the midst of the regional sports events and general-news updates, the chaotic situation in Kisumu was making headlines, highlighting concerns about crime-and-justice and the ongoing suppression of peaceful protests.
- As businesses resumed their usual operations and people went about their daily routines, health issues took a backseat in the coastal town of Kisumu, overshadowed by the escalating tension surrounding the Anti-Finance Bill protests and the disputes over the right to peaceful assembly.
