June 25, 2025, Kenya was once again a focal point of intense civic action, as Gen Z-led protests swept across numerous counties. These demonstrations, marking a poignant one-year anniversary since the tragic events of the anti-Finance Bill protests in 2024, saw thousands take to the streets to mourn lives lost and articulate their demands for governance reforms. Yet, amidst this widespread national fervor, a striking anomaly emerged: three counties—Samburu, Migori, and most notably, Kisumu—remained remarkably quiet, standing in stark contrast to the tumultuous scenes witnessed elsewhere.
This notable divergence from the national trend, observed across various local reports, invites a deeper exploration into the nuanced socio-political fabric of Kenya. While major urban centers like Nairobi and Mombasa experienced significant youth turnout and fervent demonstrations, these three regions maintained an unexpected calm, prompting critical questions about the localized factors that shape participation in national movements.
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In Samburu County, located in North-Central Kenya, the quiet streets could be attributed to its unique socio-cultural and geographical landscape. Predominantly inhabited by the pastoralist Samburu community, the region is characterized by its vast, semi-arid terrain and a strong adherence to traditional practices. The economic and social rhythms of this community often differ from those in more urbanized or agriculturally intensive areas, potentially influencing the forms and priorities of civic engagement. The logistical challenges of mobilization across its expansive, often remote, areas might also play a role in the subdued participation in mass street protests.
Similarly, Migori County, situated in southwestern Kenya, presents its own distinct set of dynamics. While demographically diverse, with a mix of various ethnic groups, its primary economic focus often revolves around the sugar industry and local development initiatives. Local grievances or priorities in Migori might find expression through different channels, perhaps through direct engagement with county leadership or more localized forms of advocacy, rather than through large-scale national street action.
However, the most surprising absence yesterday was undoubtedly Kisumu County. Historically known as a hotbed of political activism and often a flashpoint during national protests, Kisumu's streets yesterday were uncharacteristically calm. Governor Professor Peter Anyang' Nyong'o was quick to commend residents for maintaining peace throughout the day, noting that city streets remained relatively tranquil despite the intensity elsewhere.
The quiet in Kisumu, while unexpected given its past, was not without its own underlying dynamics. Reports indicated that a small group of human rights activists and Gen Z youth who attempted to hold a press briefing and potentially march were swiftly disrupted by unidentified individuals on motorbikes. These disruptors, some claiming to ensure peace and protect local businesses, reportedly forced the activists to flee, effectively quashing any nascent protest activity. Furthermore, days prior to June 25, a section of Kisumu youth had publicly declared their decision to opt out of the planned demonstrations. They expressed concerns that the noble cause was being "hijacked by bloodthirsty politicians and commercialized activists," advocating for peace, dialogue, and a respite from the suffering endured during previous violent confrontations.
This nuanced situation in Kisumu, where proactive self-withdrawal by some youth and external disruptions played a role, stands in stark contrast to the broad-based, spontaneous participation seen in other parts of the country. It highlights the complex interplay between grassroots sentiment, local political influences, and the memory of past sacrifices that can shape a region's response to national calls for action. The quietude in Samburu, Migori, and Kisumu yesterday serves as a powerful reminder that Kenya is a nation of diverse communities, each with its unique social structures, economic realities, and political currents. While national movements may sweep across the land, their manifestation—or deliberate non-manifestation—at the local level is shaped by a myriad of factors.
