The counties of Homa Bay and Busia, known strongholds of
former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, have joined the ongoing nationwide
protests.
The protests are in remembrance of the youthful Kenyans who lost
their lives protesting against the Finance Bill of 2024.
In Homa Bay, residents were seen crowded in the streets marching
towards one direction.
In another instance, some were seen burning what seemed to be
a car tyre on the roadside.
The protests, however, remained peaceful.
In Busia, the protestors marched the streets with chants, maintaining
calm and peace.
There was no police presence in the two counties.
Businesses in Homa Bay and Busia went on as usual, despite
the protests.
Most of the counties perceived to be Raila’s strongholds have
not joined the protests.
Kisumu, one of the hot spot areas prone to protests, has also
remained calm, with businesses and usual activities ongoing.
However, tension briefly erupted after human rights
activists and a few Gen Z youth were dispersed while addressing the press at
the Jamuhuru Park.
The group was issuing a media briefing before submitting a
petition when a group of youths arrived on motorbikes and asked them to
disperse, warning that they did not want to see anyone at the location.
The activists fled in panic, seeking refuge inside the
Deputy County Commissioner’s (DC) compound, where police officers were present.