Armed supporters of Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio coalition, disrupted a peaceful demonstration by pro-Ruto supporters promoting peace and dialogue in Kisumu on March 18, 2023.
The demonstrators were attacked by a group of agitated youths wielding stones and clubs, forcing them to run for safety. The peaceful protest was organized by various civil society groups and human rights defenders who want the constitution to be respected, and for the government to embrace dialogue to address the issues facing Kenyans.
Led by ODM official Obungu Owich, the youths charged towards the peaceful protesters who were promoting peace at the United Mall area. They claimed that those holding peaceful demonstrations were opposing the planned mass action scheduled for Monday.
The police, under the command of Nyanza regional police commander Karanja Muiruri, swiftly dispersed the ODM youths who had started barricading the road and restored sanity. Several officers were strategically deployed on the streets, ready to counter the rioters.
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