Tension has gripped Kisumu city following a dramatic disruption of a press briefing by a group of Gen Z youth in the heart of the city. What began as a peaceful address turned chaotic after a rival group stormed the gathering, accusing the youth of defying a supposed political understanding between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga regarding the ongoing anti-government protests.
The Gen Z youth, who have been at the forefront of the recent national wave of protests, had convened to mobilize residents and articulate their grievances against the Kenya Kwanza regime — largely centered on issues of governance, unemployment, and the controversial Finance Bill. However, the disruption cut short their message, with the dissenting group claiming that the Kisumu protests were in breach of an “unwritten truce” between the state and the opposition leadership.
“We will not allow our city to be used to advance agendas that go against the spirit of national dialogue,” shouted one of the disruptors, as security personnel struggled to contain the scuffle. The incident has sparked fresh questions about political undercurrents that may be influencing the trajectory of the youth-led protests.
Despite the downtown fracas, a surprising calm has been observed in traditionally volatile areas such as Nyalenda, Manyatta, and Kondele. These neighbourhoods ,often the heartbeat of political expression in Kisumu — remained largely peaceful, with local leaders and community elders urging restraint and encouraging dialogue.
Some residents, while sympathetic to the Gen Z cause, expressed concerns about the city being turned into a battleground.
“These young people have a point, but Kisumu has bled enough in past protests. We need a strategy that doesn’t leave us cleaning up broken glass and burying loved ones,” said Mama Achieng, a trader in Kondele.
Meanwhile, Gen Z organizers vowed to press on with their push for justice and accountability, saying their movement is not tied to any political figure but is driven by frustration, hunger, and disillusionment with the system.
As Kisumu teeters between solidarity and political restraint, all eyes are now on how both local leaders and national figures will respond and whether the youth voice, now louder than ever, will be silenced or heard.
Written by Laban Shikokoti
