We’ll block all entry points to Kisumu, leaders vow
Kisumu Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders have threatened to close all the entry points to the lakeside city from tomorrow to push for economic revolution.
The leaders included the Speaker of the County Assembly Elisha Oraro and Deputy Governor Mathews Owili.
The leaders announced peaceful demonstrations starting today.
“We are going to close all border points or entries to the city as from tomorrow,’’ said Oraro.
Flanked by several MCAs led by Seth Kanga of Milimani and Joachim Oketch of Kondele, the leaders said they will lead peaceful demonstrations in the city.
Oraro called on the residents to join the demonstrations.
“It will be no business as usual in Kisumu. We will allow Kenyans to join in protests so that the high cost of living is brought down,’’ said Owili.
Azimio agenda
He spoke as Oraro announced that they will take a petition to the County Commissioner detailing their agenda.
The leaders spoke minutes after Azimio leader Raila Odinga declared the start of mass protests across the country to push the Kenya Kwanza government to carry out economic and political reforms.
“We want to identify with the 15 point agenda raised by the Azimio leader,’’ said Owili.
They called on the security personnel to join them in providing security during the demos.
“We are happy that already the police have beefed up security. This is good. Ours now is to join them to make our points heard,’’ said Kanga.
The Kisumu leaders said no public service vehicles will be allowed to operate in the city as from tomorrow.
“We will ensure that there is no movement. Our workers are free to rest and none will be victimized,’’ claimed Owili.
They said they wanted as many people as possible to join the demos because the issues being raised concern them.
But Nyanza police boss John Karanja said they will not allow any unlawful gatherings and demos. “We are going to deal firmly with the law breakers,’’ he declared.
Security patrols, he said, were being carried out round the clock to protect people, businesses and property.
Police have blocked the road to Kisumu State Lodge which is now under 24 hour security surveillance.
