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Calm in Kisumu as results announced |
Security officers patrolled the area as religious leaders and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers Nyanza Western Chapter called on businessmen to open their shops.
Heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms forced people to stay indoors as they followed the results on their television sets on Friday night.
In Kondele that was the most affected area during the 2007-2008 post-election violence, by 9am on Saturday, the youth stayed away from violence as they waited calmly for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s verdict.
Two trucks of General Service Officers (GSU) patrolled the lakeside town, from 3am. There were also Land Cruisers with regular and administration police backing up the GSU team.
However, Kenya Association of Manufacturers Nyanza Western Chapter Israel Agina appealed to all stakeholders and communities to support the return of normal business operations.
“We all lose out if people let their emotions rise and do not seek constructive solutions,” said Mr Agina.
He added that the city could only attract investors through peace after the elections.
Fear of violence
“How we carry ourselves will show the investors that Kisumu is an investor friendly,” added Agina.
He said as they return to work, peace should prevail despite the results since the main thing is ensuring that Kisumu’s future is bright and prosperous.
Banks and some business premises remained open along the Oginga Odinga Street as residents went on with their activities.
At Oile Market, traders packed their goods for fear of violence since they knew that the president would be declared at that time.
A number of people also closed shops out of fear.
“We are waiting to hear what Raila will say because there are issues that must be addressed,” said Ken Otieno, in Kondele area.
Joseph Owino, a matatu driver, said there is need for the Jubilee presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta to treat all regions equally, if the IEBC declares him winner.
“Uhuru should not leave out Kisumu and other parts of the province for not giving him enough votes.
He should treat counties equal in the sharing of the cake,” said Owino.
Anglican Church of Kenya Maseno South Diocese Bishop Francis Obiero thanked Kisumu people for showing patience, tolerance and determination during vote tallying.
“All we need is to maintain peace as Kenya is more important than all of us,” said Obiero.
In Siaya County, the ancestral home of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, people gathered in shopping centres to follow what was going on television sets in some restaurants.
Others tuned on their radio sets to follow the historic moment the country was waiting for.
source: the standard Digital
