Kisumu County Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, has thanked residents of the lakeside city for their decision to give the commemoration of the 2024 Gen Z protest a wide berth.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Nyong’o hailed the city residents and their surrounding towns for exercising restraint even as protests kicked off in major cities and towns around the country.
“I wish to thank the residents of Kisumu County for maintaining peace today during the activities commemorating the first anniversary of the Gen-Z protests. The streets in Kisumu City and other towns in our sub-counties remained relatively calm throughout the day,” Nyong’o said.
Constructive dissent
“The people of Kisumu will always be vigilant to protect and promote human rights in our republic. We will also express constructive dissent to any form of political oppression and abuse of human rights.”
Kisumu, once known for actively participating in protests agitating for good governance, remained devoid of significant confrontation with police from the residents.
While there was police presence in the city, the protests failed to gather steam as did several other parts of the country.
Businesses, however, remained closed, with minimal activity being witnessed in the vibrant lakeside city.
Transport to and from the city stayed normal despite many people opting to suspend non-essential visits to the town.
In the afternoon, a small group of activists gathered around the Kisumu Central Deputy County Commissioner’s residence, where they delivered a press conference.
Raila’s calls for peace
In the presser, the activists said they were being targeted by goons determined to silence their voices.
The development came after a section of youth vowed to ensure that the city remained devoid of demonstrations.
The calm comes after ODM Party leader Raila Odinga urged Kenyans to embrace peaceful protests, while noting that he understood their concerns.
In a statement while attending the burial of the father of Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Raila said that while the right to protest was in the constitution, it has to be done peacefully.
“We are here, and there are other Kenyans on the streets as we speak. It is their right. Everyone has a right to air their opinions and demonstrate when they feel things are not going right. It’s in our constitution, but it must be done in a peaceful manner,” Raila said.
