Most businesses in Kisumu City have shut down as youth protests sweep the nation. On the usually bustling Oginga Odinga streets, shop owners closed their doors, fearing potential looting or damage.
Quickmart supermarkets were among the many that remained shut. Downtown shops and major malls like United Mall, home to Carrefour, Java House, KFC, Galitos, City Walk, Bata, and several banks, also closed their doors. Along Kenyatta Highway, supermarkets such as Quickmart and Khetias restricted access, allowing customers to make quick purchases before the protests intensified.
Naivas Simba near United Mall opened under tight security but planned to close as protests began. In Kondele, Quickmart and Apmart mini-supermarkets, along with electronics shops at Tivoli Centre, remained closed.
However, at West End Mall, located near Kisumu’s State Lodge, businesses operated as usual. The mall hosts Acacia Premier Hotel, Java House, City Walk, Diamond Trust Bank, Stima Sacco, and Aga Khan Hospital.
Police patrolled Kisumu streets as youth gathered to protest. Bodaboda operators expressed their support for peaceful protests but vowed to prevent any attempts at looting or violence. Joel Aketch urged protesters to avoid property destruction.
Public transport was heavily affected, with most PSV vehicles staying off the roads. At Kisumu bus park, only a few matatus were available, quickly picking up passengers before the protests began. The Guardian booking offices in Simba had most of their vehicles, including Nairobi-bound buses and shuttles, parked.
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