There was calm in the larger Nyanza as the 35th Saba Saba Day anniversary was marked on Monday, July 7, 2025.

A day once known for political agitation and street protests passed without ugly incidents witnessed in Kisumu town and the surrounding areas.

Save for the disruption of learning, Kisumu remained calm, with residents going about their businesses as usual.

Several schools in the area remained closed on Monday as a precautionary measure over the planned Saba Saba protests.

Some learners reported but were later released to go back home over safety issues.

Spot checks throughout the city and estates such as Migosi, Car Wash, Kibos, Mamboleo, Manyatta, Kondele, Obunga, Bandani, Kisian, Otongolo, Nyalenda and Nyamasaria revealed that shops were open, matatus were operating normally, and people went about their routines undisturbed.

Normal operations

Banks, supermarkets, hardware shops, eateries and open-air markets were opened for normal operations.

A few business outlets however closed over anticipated protests.

At the Kisumu Bus terminus, transport activities were going on normally, though there were fewer PSV matatus and commuters compared to normal days.

A billboard at the entrance to JomoKenyatta Sports Ground boldly proclaimed, “No More Maandamano.”

Audi Ogada, a community leader and the head of the Kisumu Residents Voice Association, addressed a small gathering in the city, emphasizing the region’s collective decision to move away from disruptive street protests.

“We want to urge our people to go about their businesses in peace. The time for maandamano is over.”

Similar calmness and normalcy were observed in other areas across Nyanza, including Migori, Rongo, Awendo, Homa Bay, Kendu Bay and Ahero.