Saba Saba: Kisumu remains calm as chaos rocks other parts of the country
Members of the public go about their business in Kisumu on July 7, 2025. Kisumu remained calm as violent protests were witnessed in other parts of the country on Saba Saba day.
What you need to know:
- Most schools closed, business operations continued with minimal disruption.
- Sections of the business community and residents publicly denounced the protests.
Kisumu County remained largely peaceful on Monday standing in stark contrast to the unrest observed in various parts of the country during the nationwide Saba Saba protests.
Although most schools across the lakeside city closed as a precautionary measure, commercial activities continued with minimal disruption. Traders and transport operators seemingly weary of political turbulence opted to uphold normalcy over chaos.
Members of the public go about their business in Kisumu on July 7, 2025. Kisumu remained calm as violent protests were witnessed in other parts of the country on Saba Saba day.
In the Central Business District as well as in Kondele, Nyalenda, Nyamasaria and other key trading centres, the majority of business premises remained open. Residents expressed an overwhelming preference for peace and economic progress over political confrontation.
Earlier in the day, sections of the business community and residents publicly denounced the protests labelling them politically driven and detrimental to livelihoods.
The Saba Saba demonstrations spearheaded by segments of the Opposition in protest against the soaring cost of living and concerns over governance, met with a muted response in Kisumu, a city once synonymous with aggressive political agitation.
Mr Austine Ochieng, a boda boda operator stationed near the city centre was among those who opposed any form of street protest within the lakeside city.
“We do not want demonstrations in Kisumu. We have chosen peace and we intend to maintain that state henceforth,” he said.
Marseline Wasonga, a trader at Kibuye Market, who noted the city’s remarkable transformation since residents began rejecting calls for violent street protests.
“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. Since we abandoned violent demonstrations, we have witnessed tangible growth,” she observed.
A banner urging residents of Kisumu to uphold peace on a roundabout in the city on July 7, 2025. Kisumu remained calm as violent protests were witnessed in other parts of the country on Saba Saba day.
Ms Wasonga further noted that Kisumu has recently drawn 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 said.
Despite the prevailing calm, most learning institutions across the county remained closed with school heads and parents opting to act with caution.
Although Kisumu did not take part in the Gen Z-led protests of June 25, many parents cited the unpredictability of political demonstrations as reason enough to keep their children at home.
A deserted street in Kisumu on July 7, 2025. Kisumu remained calm as violent protests were witnessed in other parts of the country on Saba Saba day.
Regional education authorities issued no formal directive to suspend learning and instead, schools were left to make independent decisions based on local security assessments.
Meanwhile, local security agencies maintained a conspicuous presence throughout the day, conducting regular patrols in areas historically prone to unrest.
Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo earlier appealed for calm and encouraged residents to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.