Business and education operations in Kisii town were paralyzed for the better part of Wednesday Morning when the Azimio Supporters demonstrated against President William Ruto’s government over what they termed as the rising cost of living in the country.
The demonstrators engaged the police in running battles for the better part of the day causing schools domiciled in the central business district to remain shut.
Demonstrators barricaded the Kisii- Keroka road at the Kisii National Polytechnic -Nyamira junction making it inaccessible.
Most teachers from Bobaracho, Kegati, and Ichuni Secondary School, who commute from Kisii town, did not report to school as they feared for their lives.
Trouble started when the police tried to disperse the demonstrators who had assembled at the Capital Roundabout at the heart of Kisii town.
At Ogembo town schools also remained shut following the demos. Some of the affected schools include Ogembo Preparatory, Zion Success, Tendere, and Mt. Sinai Academy.
The police however managed to push the demonstrators to the outskirts of the town to Mwembe and Daraja Mbili estates where they sustained their protests.
Public transport was also affected as the Matatu drivers and conductors downed their tools in fear of being roughed up or perhaps they joined the protests.
There were no operations at Kisii Main Bus Park.
Most Parents and traders who talked to Education News condemned the demos saying they attracted some ill-minded people who hid amongst them to loot from shops.
The traders appealed for dialogue between the President and opposition leader Raila Odinga in order to solve the problems facing the country.
“Our problems cannot be solved through violence but amicable dialogue.” Said Jane Kerubo
Some three days before the demos prominent leaders including education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu asked the people of Kisii to desist from participating in the demos.
Other Leaders from the area who did the same include the former Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, South Mugirango MP. Sylivanus OSoro, and Abagusii Council of Elders, Chairman Matundura Araka.
By Enock Okong’o.
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