Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has called off the public demonstrations in his county and urged his supporters to join other protesters in Nairobi.
The Governor indicated that the suspension of the demonstrations followed consultations with the Azimio la Umoja’s National leadership and County Executive Committee.
“However, after detailed consultations with the Azimio National leadership and the County Executive Committee (the cabinet), I wish to (announce) that all public demonstrations within Kisumu County have, from today, been suspended indefinitely so that we can join the demonstrations in Nairobi,” Nyong’o stated.
Nyong’o said that he appreciates the courage and sacrifice of the people of Kisumu who have been participating in the demonstrations for the past two weeks. He said that they have demonstrated their resolve to stand with Raila Odinga in his quest for justice.
“In the past two weeks, residents of Kisumu County have been joining other Kenyans in peaceful demonstrations against the Kenya Kwanza government over the high cost of living and electoral fraud. We have been demanding for the opening of the 2022 Presidential election servers to determine who actually won the seat,” Nyong’o said in a statement.
“Our people have been protesting the high cost of living, characterized by a sharp rise in the cost of food and other basic commodities. 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 contrary to what is provided for in the Constitution,” he added.
However, he stated that it is time to join forces with other Kenyans protesting in Nairobi and other parts of the country in order to send a stronger message to the Kenya Kwanza regime and demand accountability and democracy.
He also urged security forces to respect protesters’ rights and refrain from using excessive force or violence.
