Kisumu Remains Calm as Nairobi, Mt Kenya Gets Chaotic During Saba Saba

While violent protests and chaos erupted across Kenya during Monday’s Saba Saba demonstrations, Kisumu County stood as a beacon of tranquility, choosing economic stability over political confrontation in a remarkable shift for the lakeside city once synonymous with aggressive political agitation.

The stark contrast was evident as Nairobi went into lockdown and other parts of the country witnessed running battles between protesters and police, while Kisumu’s Central Business District, Kondele, Nyalenda, and Nyamasaria trading centers remained largely operational with minimal disruption.

“We do not want demonstrations in Kisumu. We have chosen peace and we intend to maintain that state henceforth,” declared Austine Ochieng, a boda boda operator stationed near the city center, reflecting the prevailing sentiment among residents who have grown weary of political turbulence.

The transformation is remarkable for a city that historically stood at the forefront of Kenya’s most intense political protests. Marseline Wasonga, a trader at Kibuye Market, captured this evolution perfectly: “Violence has never and will never resolve conflict. Kisumu was once at the forefront of protests but all we gained was the destruction of property, job losses and a damaged reputation.”

Magunas Supermarket in Makutano, Meru County was looted and set ablaze on July 7 amid the intensifying Saba Saba protests.

The decision to prioritize peace has yielded tangible dividends for Kisumu. Wasonga noted that the city has recently attracted investments and development initiatives once considered unattainable due to its history of political instability.

“Now, people from other counties come to Kisumu for conferences, trade exhibitions and leisure. That would not happen if we were still setting tyres ablaze in the streets,” she observed.

Despite the Opposition-led Saba Saba demonstrations protesting the soaring cost of living and governance concerns gaining momentum elsewhere, Kisumu’s response was notably muted. The business community and residents publicly denounced the protests, labeling them politically driven and detrimental to livelihoods.

While the city remained peaceful, authorities and residents maintained appropriate caution. Most learning institutions across the county remained closed, with school heads and parents opting for safety over normalcy. This decision came despite no formal directive from regional education authorities to suspend learning.

Local security agencies maintained a conspicuous presence throughout the day, conducting regular patrols in areas historically prone to unrest. Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo appealed for calm and encouraged residents to report any suspicious activity to authorities.

The contrast between Kisumu’s calm and the chaos witnessed in Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyeri, Murang’a, Embu, and Meru speaks to a strategic choice by residents who have learned from past experiences. The city’s rejection of violent protests, including its notable absence from the Gen Z-led demonstrations of June 25, signals a community that has chosen development over destruction.

As Kenya grapples with the aftermath of Monday’s protests, Kisumu’s peaceful stance offers a compelling narrative of how communities can choose economic progress over political posturing, even in the face of legitimate grievances about governance and cost of living.

The lakeside city’s transformation from a hotbed of political agitation to a symbol of peace and economic focus may well serve as a model for other regions seeking to balance political expression with economic stability.