Hide-and-seek in Nyanza for police, MCAs
By Kepher Otieno, July 21, 2023Azimio la Umoja leaders in Raila Odinga’s Nyanza stronghold kept off the anti-government protests after word went round they would be arrested for leading the demos.
In Kisumu, Governor Anyang Nyong’o was conspicuously missing from the protests with close aides revealing that he was recuperating after undergoing surgery for a medical condition.
“We allowed him to rest and allow us to picket with the people,’’ said Kennedy Ajwang, the Kisumu County ODM vice chairman.
But his deputy Mathews Owili and County Assembly Speaker Elisha Oraro and a number of MCAs were conspicuously missing from the streets yesterday with their whereabouts unknown.
Sources within the county leadership said the deputy governor opted to “lie low” and coordinate the protests on telephone for fear of being arrested by security agents.
“We are aware that police are planning to arrest them and charge them with several trumped up charges that is why they have taken cover,” said a source who sought anonymity.
On Wednesday, drama ensued between the police and the protestors, forcing some of the leaders to take to their heels with police in hot pursuit.
Kisumu County Assembly Chief Whip Seth Kanga, had to take cover in a thicket after he was cornered by anti-riot police officers as he took part in the protests.
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, who has been spearheading the protests in the lakeside city alongside Owili was also missing in action yesterday.
Also missing in action were other MPs from Kisumu County including James Onyango K’Oyoo (Muhoroni), Jared Okello (Nyando), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), Rosa Buyu (Kisumu West) and James Nyikal (Seme), were nowhere on site.
Kisumu county Woman Representative Ruth Odinga was also missing with her aides disclosing that she had travelled to India for a medical procedure. She is said to have left the country a week ago for the Asian nation.
Awendo MP Walter Owino had also travelled to India for medical attention but is back in the country was recuperating in Nairobi. But despite the leaders’ conspicuous absence, the protests went on unabated with most residents remaining indoors for fear of being caught up in the confrontations.