Youth leaders in Kisumu have called on young people to reject planned demonstrations and instead promote peace and dialogue ahead of protests scheduled for Thursday.
The leaders, speaking under the banner Gen Zs for Change, said the city should avoid a repeat of past unrest and focus on development and economic growth.
The group’s coordinator Brian Opiyo welcomed assurances from players in the transport sector that services would continue uninterrupted during the planned protests.
He urged young people to avoid what he described as political incitement, arguing that some leaders use youths to advance their own interests.
“Let us keep off those inciting us to demonstrate. They have their children in school abroad,” Opiyo said during a press conference in Kisumu on Wednesday.
He also referred to fatalities recorded during previous demonstrations, urging young people to engage in constructive activities rather than participate in protests.
Opiyo said President William Ruto’s administration had made progress in improving the economy and questioned the motives of politicians he accused of encouraging unrest.
He added that Kisumu should set an example by addressing national concerns through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Another youth leader, Adede Sheshe, appealed to students and young people to continue with their studies and daily activities, saying peace was essential for attracting investment to the lakeside city.
“We must give confidence to investors to come to Kisumu. Peace is very important and we must preserve it,” he said.
Moses Odiwuor, who also addressed the briefing, said demonstrations were often infiltrated by criminals who exploit them to loot businesses and disrupt economic activity.
“We have seen most of the demonstrations in this country being infiltrated by goons, being hijacked by thieves to terrorise traders and bring businesses to a standstill,” he said.
He encouraged young people to focus on building their future through hard work and dedication.
Students also joined the calls for calm. Victor, a student at Kisumu National Polytechnic, said the city had previously suffered significant losses of life and property and should avoid further unrest.
He expressed support for President Ruto and claimed the planned protests were intended to undermine the government’s agenda.
The appeal comes a day before demonstrations planned to mark the anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests, during which several people were killed and many others injured.
The youth leaders said Kisumu should prioritise peace, dialogue and development as the country reflects on the events of last year.
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