Business as usual in Kisumu as Kenya marks Saba Saba

Kisumu remained calm on Tuesday as businesses operated normally despite nationwide calls by activists to mark the annual Saba Saba demonstrations.

Unlike previous years, when the lakeside city witnessed protests and heightened security, traders opened their shops as usual, public service vehicles operated normally, and residents went about their daily activities without disruption.

Supermarkets, banks, open-air markets and other businesses in the city’s Central Business District remained open throughout the morning, with no visible signs of demonstrations.

There was also no heavy police deployment across the city, which has in the past been a hallmark of protest days.

No organised demonstrations or gatherings had been witnessed by mid-morning, even as protests were reported in other parts of the country following calls by civil society groups to commemorate Saba Saba and push for governance reforms, an end to police brutality and greater accountability.

Motorists accessed the city without restrictions, while schools, government offices and other public institutions remained operational.

Kisumu Deputy Governor Matthew Ochieng Owili said the county had deliberately chosen to observe the day peacefully, noting that the region had already made immense sacrifices during Kenya’s struggle for independence and the Second Liberation.

“The people of this region have played their part in the fight for Uhuru and the Second Liberation. Many lost their lives in the struggle for democracy. Today, Kisumu has chosen peace. We want to focus on economic emancipation and creating opportunities that empower our people. Kisumu has become a hub of peace and one of Kenya’s key investment destinations,” Owili said.

He added that while the city’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey remains unquestionable, the current priority is fostering an environment that attracts investment, creates jobs and improves livelihoods.

Residents welcomed the calm, expressing hope that peace would prevail throughout the day and spare businesses the losses often associated with demonstrations.

“From what we have been witnessing lately in the lakeside city, we knew there would be no protests to mark the day, and we don’t take the peace we are witnessing now for granted,” said resident Mark Oluoch.

Although there were reports that some civil society organisations may have held small commemorative activities to mark Saba Saba, no major public demonstrations had been witnessed in the city by the time of publication, and the reported activities could not be independently verified.