A section of leaders from the Nyanza region has praised residents for staying away from the second anniversary Gen Z protests held on Thursday, June 25, saying the decision demonstrated political maturity and a commitment to development.
Speaking to The Kenyan Tabloid on Friday, June 26, UDA Nyanza Regional Coordinator Aggrey Otore said the Luo community had paid a heavy price over the past six decades through repeated participation in protests in pursuit of justice, fairness and accountability.
According to Otore, the demonstrations have often resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, reduced investment and stalled development, arguing that the region’s decision to remain peaceful during Thursday’s protests was a well-calculated move.
He credited President William Ruto’s administration for what he described as unprecedented development projects across the region, including road infrastructure, rural electrification, affordable housing and sports facilities.
“I want to thank our people from Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay and Siaya counties for refusing to join Thursday’s demonstrations. I also appreciate residents of Nairobi and Mombasa who remained committed to their work instead of taking part in the protests. For over 60 years, Luo people have gone to the streets fighting for the nation, but we have only lost lives and property. Today, we are witnessing development that has never been seen before, from roads and electricity to affordable housing. We will support President William Ruto in 2027 because he has stood with us,” said Otore.
Homa Bay County UDA Chairman Kennedy Obuya echoed Otore’s sentiments, commending residents of Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya and Migori for choosing work and peace over street protests.
Obuya said the Luo community had lost many young people, businesses and investment opportunities during previous demonstrations, adding that maintaining peace would create a more conducive environment for economic growth.
“My fellow Luo people and everyone living in our region, thank you for refusing to participate in the second Gen Z anniversary protests. Through demonstrations, we have lost our leaders, our children, investors and many opportunities that could have benefited our people,” Obuya said.
He particularly applauded residents of Kondele in Kisumu County, saying many opted to register as voters instead of joining the protests.
Obuya argued that meaningful political change should be pursued through the ballot rather than street demonstrations.
“I want to thank the people of Kisumu, especially those from Kondele, for choosing to register as voters during the protests. The only way to change this country is through the ballot. I also thank our people for exercising restraint and the police for maintaining peace and order, allowing businesses to operate normally without any reported deaths in our region,” he added.
While isolated incidents of unrest were reported in some parts of the country during the nationwide demonstrations, the traditionally protest-prone counties of Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya and Migori remained largely calm throughout the day, with businesses and public activities continuing uninterrupted.
