Kisumu youths vow to end anti-government protests

By Robert Mutasi 

 A section of youths from Kisumu County aligned to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)  party have declared that the lakefront city will no longer permit anti-government demonstrations.

This comes after ODM party officials were included in the comprehensive government structure that President William Ruto unveiled on Wednesday, July 24,2024, by the ruling Kenya Kwanza party.

According to Nyaori Nyang, who is a youth, any protest will lead to a loss of direction and the government must now be permitted to work for the people.

"We are announcing here in Kisumu, that there will be no street protests to ban the government," he said.

Nyaori emphasized that the ODM party has provided the four members necessary to lead the nation in the correct direction, but has not joined the administration.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, July 25, 2024 , at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Kisumu, Nyaori urged citizens of Kisumu to support President Ruto in fostering the nation.

"Let's stop any kind of protest against the government in the lakeside city," he said.

Nyaori claimed that God had sent a new, inclusive government because the protests had halted Kisumu's economic growth.

He claimed that smuggling is the backbone of Kisumu's economy and that it was negatively impacted by the protests each time, resulting in property damage, fatalities, and injuries to young people.

Kisumu resident Jacob Akatch pleaded with the youth to now show humility and let the assembled cabinet get to work as soon as Parliament gives its approval.

Akatch declared that a state of peace would now prevail throughout the nation and commanded the government to rise above the calm and give the people services.

"The new team consisting of Mbadi, Oparanya, Joho and Wandayi are highly intelligent people, let them work for Kenyans without bias," he said.

Kisumu vendor Jack Otieno expressed his appreciation for the government's new face, which included opposition figures, but also claimed that the protests had an impact on his business.

Otieno declared that he supports the government wholeheartedly and would not take part in any demonstration meant to undermine it.