Transport was paralyzed in Kisii county while schools and shops were shut on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, as protesters who stormed streets in urban areas engaged security officers in running battles.
The protesters barricaded roads with stones and lit bonfires prompting the officers to repulse them and clear the roads.
In Kisii town, Daraja Mbili and Kisii primary schools remained closed and deserted as private guards manned them.
“The children never turned up today due to fear of protests. That is why we are guarding the school to ensure it is safe, “a guard told K24 Digital.
Shops were closed save for banks and a few eateries which operated with few customers as the majority of the residents kept off urban areas over fear of being caught up in the melee.
Nyaribari Chache MP
Efforts by Nyaribari Chache Member of Parliament (MP) Zaheer Jhanda to address traders at Kisii Municipal market fell on deaf ears as traders chanted ‘we want the cost of food reduced’.
The MP, who had started addressing the traders amid tight security, was forced to cut short his speech, duck and leave in a huff as security officers and Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner, Wilberforce Kilonzo tried to calm the protesters.
“The town is calm. We have not heard of serious incidents. Our officers are alert and have beefed up security in the town and Estates” Kilonzo said, adding, chiefs were also involved in fostering security.
Former Deputy Governor, Joash Maangi lauded security officers for beefing up security and urged protesters not to destroy roads and private property.
“It is not our culture to burn roads and destroy private property. Leaders behind that should be arrested and prosecuted,” Maangi said.
Richard Mwebi, an investor in Kisii town, urged President William Ruto to address the high cost of living and prices of fuel to end the protests.
He implored the President to hold talks with former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, Wiper Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua to end the three-day protests to restore normalcy.
