A planned protest and memorial vigil to mark the anniversary of the June 25, 2024, Gen Z demonstrations failed to launch in Kisumu on Thursday, with organisers blaming authorities and rival groups for undermining their plans.
Lead activist Bonface Akach and his group were compelled to speak to journalists from behind the Kisumu Central Police Station, describing the location as the only safe space after their intended gathering sites were allegedly sabotaged.
Akach explained that the protest was meant to start in Kondele, move through the city centre to hand in petitions, and then hold a memorial vigil at the Oginga Odinga Grounds to honour those who lost their lives in last year’s protests.
“We intended to kick off from Kondele, march into town, and finish with a vigil after presenting petitions,” Akach said.
He alleged that the area where the crowd was supposed to assemble had been seized by people mobilising residents to register as voters and apply for national identity cards.
According to Akach, these unexpected activities halted the demonstrators from gathering as planned.
“At the moment, that spot has been taken over by voter mobilisation and ID registration,” he told reporters.
The activist further claimed that some people in the crowd were involved in vandalism and robbery, although no evidence was offered.
Akach also accused anonymous individuals of obstructing the memorial vigil.
“Where we were to hold the vigil, a football match suddenly sprang up, with people posing as fans and blocking the venue,” he explained.
He described the situation as a blow to democratic freedoms, insisting the protest was legal and that the police had been formally notified beforehand.
“This is a defeat of democracy. It was a lawful protest and the police were notified,” he added.
The activist alleged that groups of motorcycle riders had patrolled the city since morning, intimidating those who intended to join the demonstration.
He also criticised police conduct, saying it discouraged residents from participating.
“Many of our people have been scared off. The police are acting in a way that makes people afraid to join,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Akach maintained that the group would still submit its petition and continue demanding accountability on the issues that sparked the planned demonstrations.
“Nothing will stop us, even if we are only two or three people,” he declared.
Although the march did not materialise, commerce in most parts of Kisumu proceeded normally, with residents carrying out their daily routines as the country marked the first anniversary of the Gen Z‑led protests that shook Kenya in 2024.