To march or stay home? Nyanza residents choose business as usual on June 25 anniversary

Traditionally, the region looked to ODM leader Raila Odinga for direction on both political matters and street protests.

However, with Mr Odinga largely absent from the debate after his death in October 2025, residents and leaders appear divided over whether to participate in the anniversary demonstrations.

While some believe the region should stay away from the protests, others argue that Nyanza should stand in solidarity with the rest of the country in commemorating those who lost their lives during last year's anti-government demonstrations.

The divisions were evident on Wednesday when thousands of women marched through the streets of Kisumu carrying banners, whistles and drums urging residents to keep off the protests. They argued that communities in the region have borne the heaviest burden of violent demonstrations over the years.

Sarah Adhiambo, a Kisumu resident and community leader who joined the procession from Kondele to the city centre, said politicians should stop using ordinary citizens to fight their political battles.

"We say this painfully because we have lost our children and property worth millions of shillings to these protests. Anyone calling for demonstrations should send their own children to the streets. You cannot call our children in the name of Gen Z and then fly your own children abroad. We will never protest again in Kisumu. We are tired of becoming widows and raising children without fathers," said Ms Adhiambo.

The march triggered anxiety among business owners with some shops closing early and others announcing plans to remain shut on Thursday for fear of looting and destruction.

For days, politicians allied to the broad-based government have used public meetings and other platforms to persuade residents to stay away from the demonstrations.

However, some leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo as well as human rights activists, have vowed to participate in the commemoration to honour those who died during the 2024 protests.

Human rights activist Boniface Ogutu assured residents that the planned demonstrations in Kisumu would be peaceful but cautioned that criminal elements could attempt to infiltrate the gatherings.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary protests, Mr Ogutu urged parents, business owners and members of the public to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their property.

“We expect a peaceful commemoration as people come together to remember those who lost their lives during last year's demonstrations. However, there are individuals who may seek to infiltrate the protests and cause chaos. I therefore advise parents not to send their children to school tomorrow and urge business owners to take the necessary precautions to safeguard their premises,” he said.

Mr Ogutu said that the demonstrations were intended to be peaceful and called on participants to conduct themselves responsibly. He also urged security agencies to facilitate peaceful assembly and ensure the safety of all residents.

Meanwhile, Homa Bay appears unlikely to witness significant protest activity during the commemoration.

No group had publicly announced plans to hold demonstrations in the county by Wednesday evening.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem told the Nation that the National Police Service had not received any formal notification from groups intending to stage protests.

“Holding demonstrations without notifying the police is an offence,” he said.

Mr Koilem added that police officers would provide security to any group that formally notifies authorities of its intention to demonstrate.

“This is meant to protect those who are not part of the demonstrations and to ensure protesters exercise their rights peacefully. Police are allowed to accompany demonstrators and ensure they protest peacefully. We can only provide that protection if we are notified early enough to plan adequately,” he said.

The apparent reluctance to protest comes despite Homa Bay being among the counties deeply affected by the events of June 2024.

Several victims of last year's demonstrations hailed from the county. They include Kennedy Onyango, a 12-year-old boy who was shot dead in Rongai, Kajiado County, and later buried on Rusinga Island.

Another victim, Denzel Omondi, a 23-year-old student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, was reported missing during the Finance Bill protests before his body was later discovered in a pit. A post-mortem examination concluded that he died from drowning. He was buried at his parents' home in Rachuonyo West.

Last Friday, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo warned Kenyans against using the June 25 anniversary demonstrations as an opportunity to engage in criminal activities or loot property.

Reporting by Rushdie Oudia, George Odiwuor and Dominic Ombok

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