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2017 KENYA ELECTIONS

I support Nyong’o on controlling protests – Kisumu Woman Rep

She said it’s regrettable that criminals take advantage of legitimate protests to cause mayhem and destroy property, a move she acknowledged has caused a toll on Kisumu’s economy/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 23 – Kisumu Woman Representative Rosa Buyu has supported calls by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to have protestors controlled in the lakeside city to avert any future destruction of property in the pretext of demonstrations.

Speaking to Capital FM News, Buyu lauded Nyong’o for the proactive move and urged the residents of the city to cooperate for the benefit of the business community and all who live in the area.

“I don’t think Governor Nyong’o has banned protests. All that the governor is saying is that let’s use the constitutional right to picket responsibly without impacting negatively to the economy of the region,” she said.

She said it’s regrettable that criminals take advantage of legitimate protests to cause mayhem and destroy property, a move she acknowledged has caused a toll on Kisumu’s economy.

“During the demonstrations, we have elements who take advantage to go on a looting spree. What the governor is saying that amongst the NASA supporters, there must be stewards who will ensure that the protests are conducted in a responsible manner,” she said.

Buyu further implored the residents to observe peace and build the confidence of the visitors to the lakeside city saying its potential can only be realized when there is peace.

“Kisumu has some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the country. But we can’t expect visitors when there is a perception that the place is not safe. We have to tame the protests first, then visitors will come,” she said.

Nyong’o who was speaking to the press in Kisumu termed as criminal acts, actions by youths who barricade roads, rob locals and pelt vehicles with stones during demonstrations.

“Somebody decides they’re going to block roads, take money from women and rob our visitors. These are criminal acts!”

“Demonstrations must be peaceful and not violence and therefore we’ve told the police to deal with anybody putting stones on the road. Anybody molesting a dweller residing in Kisumu will be treated as a criminal,” Governor Nyong’o warned.

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Investors in Kisumu have expressed concerns in the recent past over the increasingly hostile business environment occasioned by disorderly demonstrators who have had a trend of storming into private businesses during demonstrations.

Kisumu city was one of the areas, which experienced some of the most violent protests experienced after the August 8 elections.

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