Why Kisumu Was Quiet as Gen Z Protested: A Deep Dive Into Its Bloody History with Police Brutality
On June 25, 2025, Kenya witnessed one of its most unified protests in decades. From Nairobi to Nakuru, Generation Z came out in force to reject the punitive Finance Bill and push back against corruption and bad governance. But one city was noticeably silent: Kisumu.
This surprised many Kenyans. Kisumu has long been seen as the heartbeat of resistance — a place where protests, riots, and calls for justice have defined its political identity. So why did Kisumu stay quiet?
To understand that, we need to revisit the city's long, painful history with political protests — and the brutal police response that often followed.
🩸 A History Written in Protest
1969 – The Kisumu Massacre
After a public fallout between President Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenyatta visited Kisumu to open the New Nyanza Provincial Hospital. Locals jeered the president, leading to a deadly confrontation. Security forces opened fire on the crowd. Dozens were reportedly killed, and Kisumu's name was forever tied to protest and pain.
1982 – Aftermath of the Coup Attempt
After the failed 1982 coup against President Moi, Kisumu, known for its pro-opposition sentiments, faced a harsh crackdown. Although the coup occurred in Nairobi, Kisumu bore the brunt of state suspicion. Youths were detained, homes raided, and activists closely monitored — a warning that the government wouldn't tolerate any dissent.
1990s – The Moi Era and Saba Saba Protests
The 1990s were marked by Kenya's painful journey toward multiparty democracy. Kisumu played a key role in these reforms — and paid for it. During the Saba Saba uprising on July 7, 1997, mass protests erupted across the country to demand constitutional change. Kisumu's youth and civil society groups mobilized in large numbers. The state's response? Brutal. Tear gas filled the air, arrests spiked, and in some cases, live bullets were used to disperse demonstrators.
Maseno University students, clergy, and traders pushing for reform were targeted. The cost of resistance in Kisumu was steep — but the fight continued.
2007–08 – Post-Election Violence
After the disputed 2007 elections, Kisumu erupted. Streets turned into battlegrounds. Protesters blocked roads, lit fires, and clashed with police. Security forces used live ammunition, and many innocent people — including children — were gunned down. Human rights groups documented numerous extrajudicial killings and disappearances in Nyanza during this time.
2013 & 2017 Elections
In both 2013 and 2017, Kisumu experienced chaos following disputed presidential results. After the 2017 elections, parts of Kisumu like Kondele, Obunga, and Nyalenda were turned into virtual war zones. Several unarmed civilians were shot dead in their homes or while fleeing protests. Again, no officers were held accountable.
2016 – Anti-IEBC Demonstrations
The weekly anti-IEBC protests led by opposition leaders in 2016 hit Kisumu hard. Protesters demanded the resignation of the electoral commission ahead of the 2017 elections.
In Kisumu, police fired bullets at protestors. Tear gas choked streets weekly. One viral clip showed a man being viciously beaten by police outside Kondele as onlookers screamed in horror. The demonstrations left a trail of injuries, trauma, and funerals.
👮🏽♂️ Police Brutality: Kisumu's Open Wound
Kisumu has long faced a uniquely brutal police response. Peaceful gatherings have turned deadly. Children have died from stray bullets. Traders have been beaten in markets. Homes have been raided without warrants.
To this day, justice for victims of police brutality in Kisumu remains elusive.
🤐 Why Was Kisumu Silent in 2025?
When the Gen Z protests erupted across the nation on June 25, 2025, Kisumu — Kenya's historic protest capital — was absent. The silence was loud, and speculation ran wild.
Allegations of Suppression
Baba Hakusema: Some locals claimed that Kisumu didn't join because Raila Odinga did not call for it. With Raila playing a role in ongoing national dialogue and AU politics, many believe the city felt politically obligated to stay quiet.
Bloggers Allegedly Paid: There were serious allegations that some Kisumu-based bloggers were paid to discourage residents from joining the demos. These influencers pushed fear and misinformation, dissuading the youth from participating.
Goons Disrupt Press Conference: On the morning of June 25, human rights activists gathered at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground to hold a peaceful press briefing before marching. Reports claim that hired goons stormed the grounds, intimidated speakers, and tried to sabotage the movement.
👉🏽 Watch the video by K24 Digital showing the chaos: https://youtu.be/D_1HkQWn9DE