Police mount roadblock on State Lodge Kisumu driveway
Police in Kisumu mounted a temporary roadblock on the driveway to State Lodge from Jomo Kenyatta Avenue in readiness to suppress any possible mass action in the city.
Two land cruisers and a lorry load of police officers both in anti-riot gear and in plain clothes stood strategically at the junction to Kisumu county offices and the State Lodge.
The officers diverted traffic to use an alternative route as they kept vigil on the road, just to ensure that there was normalcy within the city roads and its surrounding.
The action follows threats by the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition leadership led by leader Raila Odinga for mass action over the high cost of living.
Raila issued a 14-day ultimatum to President William Ruto in efforts to push the national government to reduce the high cost of living which has affected many households.
Yesterday, Nyanza Regional Police Boss, Karanja Muiruri said they were not taking any chances.
“Yes, it’s true we have mounted the roadblock. We are not taking any chances,’’ Muiruri said.
Police patrols in and around Kisumu were beefed up for any eventuality, with Karanja saying many were deployed on the beat patrols.
So far, he claimed there was no cause for alarm. Businesses and daily errands in the city were on as usual, with no reported single incident of interruptions.
Police said they will remain vigilant for twenty-four hours. With Raila's ultimatum lapsing on Wednesday night, anxiety continues to mount over Kenyans on the opposition’s next cause of action.
Early in the week, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi reiterated that mass action will proceed alongside the people’s barazas across the country.
Wandayi claimed that they will demonstrate to the government that Azimio has the people’s support. Political leaders in Kisumu were reportedly busy attending other scheduled functions in the city.
Kisumu governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o attended a ceremony at the Social Centre to mark International Women’s Day.
