Nyanza leaders lay grounds for today’s demos
By Kepher Otieno, July 19, 2023Leaders from Nyanza yesterday held meetings to lay ground for today’s planned Azimio protests.
In Kisumu, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and his deputy Mathews Owili were reportedly held up in a number of meetings in the office.
The governor held a meeting with his Executive and Assembly leaders to plan for alternative security.
His security and that of his deputy were withdrawn. Owili confirmed the meetings, however, he did not divulge details.
Sources privy to Nyong’os itinerary revealed he may keep off the demos as he just had a surgery. He has previously been joining the demos, a role now left for Owili, MPs and MCAs led by Speaker Elisha Oraro and Chief Whip Seth Kanga to champion.
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron was busy in the city meeting various right groups and civil society.
“We are very busy today, we want to reorganise ourselves in terms of security, after ours were recalled and also just to be ready to handle the demos in a peaceful way,” Owili said. County ODM vice-chair Kennedy Ajwang, a nominated MCA, said they were set for the demonstration.
“We won’t retreat nor surrender, we are on,” he asserted. Ajwang said the whole seven constituencies in Kisumu had been mobilised and told to hold peaceful demonstrations. “We will be on the streets to control the youth, not to destroy or loot public property including shops,” said Ajwang.
People Daily has also established that Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga was told to work with the police to ensure peaceful demonstrations and protection of the city investments.
“We just want to ensure all goes according to plan, but without destruction of public and private investments,” Owili added.
The leaders were also making private security arrangements after the governor’s official state security was withdrawn.
They are now opting for city askaris armed with Rungus to step in the meantime.