Anyang Nyong'o Calls Off Azimio La Umoja Protests in Kisumu County

On March 29, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o announced the permanent suspension of the county's Monday and Thursday protests.

The Governor stated that discussions with the County Executive Committee and National leadership of Azimio la Umoja were held before the demonstrations were put on hold.

The second-term governor added that he and a few other Kisumu residents had presented the national government with a number of issues that affected the city's citizens. 

In a statement seen by Look Up Digital, Nyong'o made it clear that regional leaders would join anti-government protests in Nairobi after protests in Kisumu were suspended.

“After extensive discussions with the Azimio National leadership and the County Executive Committee (the cabinet), I wish to (announce) that all public demonstrations within Kisumu County have, as of today, been suspended indefinitely so that we can join the demonstrations in Nairobi.” The statement read in part.

According to Governor Nyong'o, residents of Kisumu organized anti-government demonstrations in response to the city's high cost of living and the opening of the servers for the 2022 Presidential election. 

He continued by saying that the government's alleged decision to exclude the opposition from the selection of electoral body commissioners was what sparked the protests.

"To find out who actually won the seat, we have been calling for the opening of the 2022 Presidential election servers. The high cost of living, which is characterized by a sharp increase in the price of food and other necessities, has been the subject of protests from our people "Nyong'o elucidated.

He insisted that contrary to what the Constitution stipulates, "our people have also been protesting the undemocratic plans by the Kenya Kwanza regime to handpick a partisan Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to manage the 2027 General election."

On Monday, March 27, Raila informed his supporters that the Monday and Thursday protests would go on as planned despite requests for him to call them off from various groups.

Raila defended the protests, saying that they were essential for keeping President William Ruto in check and bringing down the country's cost of living.