Kisumu remains calm amid looming Saba Saba protests

Business resumed normally in Kisumu on Monday, a day after the country marked Saba Saba amid calls for nationwide protests.

While some shops remained closed and a few residents opted to stay home on Sunday, most parts of the lakeside city remained calm.

Public transport was available, though in limited numbers, and some streets appeared quieter than usual.

Despite fears of possible unrest, there were no reports of demonstrations in Kisumu.

Instead, locals chose to go about their day peacefully, with many expressing a desire to honour the historical significance of Saba Saba without engaging in protests.

“We know what Saba Saba is, what it means, and what happened in the past,” said Mark James, a trader in the city.

“Demos are for what unless someone has ulterior motives? As Kisumu people, we are for peace, and we don't want to see people on the streets in the name of protests.”

Supermarkets across the city remained open, though some had two to three police officers stationed nearby as a precaution. Banks and government offices also remained operational.

Mary Onyango, a businesswoman at Kibuye Market, said she had the confidence to open her stall because of the peace that prevailed during the recent Gen Z-led protests.y

  “I know there will be no demos. I’m happy with what we are witnessing in Kisumu of late peace and order. That’s why I had the confidence to open,” she said.

The city, which has in the past been marked by unrest during demonstrations, has recently shown a shift toward maintaining peace even during last month’s anti-Finance Bill protests.

Another trader at Kisumu Bus Park John Williams said “This is not about fear, it’s about wisdom. We are tired of chaos. Saba Saba should be about remembrance and reflection, not destruction.”

As time goes on, Kisumu is expected to return to normal operations, reinforcing the growing message: Kisumu is choosing peace over protest.