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Chaotic scenes were on Sunday, March 19, witnessed at the Kisumu Central Business District (CBD) when two factions clashed on the streets.
One wing led by Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda took to the streets condemning the planned anti-government demonstrations.
Another group of protesters who were marching in support of the much-hyped March 20 mass action accused Ojienda’s group of sabotaging Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s plans.
The youths who emerged from Kisumu bus park were angered by what they termed as an attempt to challenge Raila’s orders in Kisumu.
Protestors invade the Communication Authority of Kenya event marking World Consumer Rights Day on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Complex, Kisumu County
Capital Group
The result was a rain of stones which were hurled from both sides, in an attempt to settle their differences.
It was reported that Ojienda’s faction carried placards and banners written ‘I say No to violence’ and ‘Lovers of dialogue,’ something that immediately angered other protesters.
Senator Ojienda’s faction was immediately repulsed to the side of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital where they re-grouped to ponder their next move.
The pro-Azimio protesters gathered momentum and soon gave a chase against the Ojienda-leaning group who were all out for peace.
However, the protesters found an escape route when police officers moved to quell the violence that was clearly getting more vicious.
Kisumu Police officers patrolled throughout the Central Business District for the better part of the morning.
While in an interview with local media houses, Azimio leader Raila Odinga noted that only a few emissaries will be sent to State House to present a memorandum to President William Ruto.
“We are people who respect and know the law. Our leader Wycliffe Oparanya wrote to the Inspector General of Police informing him that we would hold a rally.
“Those who will be able to come to Nairobi will come to Nairobi and those unable will hold their meetings wherever they will be,” Raila clarified.
Raila Odinga addresses residents of Kisumu Town on February 18, 2023.
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