Banners calling for peace and dialogue dominate Kisumu Streets /FAITH MATETEBanners calling for peace and dialogue dominate Kisumu Streets /FAITH MATETE Banners calling for peace and dialogue dominate Kisumu streets /FAITH MATETE
Banners calling for peace and dialogue dominated major streets in Kisumu on Monday as the nationwide transport sector strike continued to disrupt movement across the country.
The banners, strategically placed along key roads including the busy Kisumu Boys roundabout, carried messages urging political leaders and wananchi to embrace dialogue instead of street protests during the ongoing standoff in the transport sector.
One banner read: “Peleka mswada bungeni sio kelele kwa barabara,” loosely translated to “Take the bill to Parliament, not noise on the streets.”
Another message directed at lawmakers stated: “Parliament and senators do your work stop inviting us to the streets.”
A third banner emphasised Kisumu’s identity as a peaceful city, reading: “Kisumu we dialogue and we do not throw stones.”
The messages appeared as transport operations remained largely paralysed in parts of Kisumu following the strike that has affected public transport services.
Although the city remained calm, movement of vehicles was minimal in several areas, with many commuters stranded at bus stages as matatus and buses kept off the roads.
The ever-busy Kisumu main bus terminus witnessed reduced activity, with only a few vehicles operating.
Transport fares for the available vehicles also increased sharply, forcing some passengers to postpone their travel plans in the hope that the situation would ease later in the day.
The banners sparked conversations among residents, with some praising the calls for peace and legislative action instead of confrontation.
Others viewed the messages as a reflection of growing public frustration over recurring street demonstrations and political tensions that often disrupt business and transport activities.
The nationwide strike has continued to affect transport services in several towns, piling pressure on both the government and stakeholders to find a lasting solution.
Residents welcomed the banners, saying they reflected the mood of many people in Kisumu who want peaceful engagement despite the transport crisis.
“I support the message because demonstrations and chaos only hurt ordinary wananchi trying to earn a living,” said Peter Ochieng, a boda boda rider near the Kisumu Boys Roundabout.
“Leaders should sit down and talk instead of pushing people to the streets.” Mercy Akinyi, a trader in the city centre, said the banners promoted unity and calm.
“Kisumu has suffered enough during protests in the past. We want peace, business to continue and leaders to solve issues through Parliament and dialogue.”