Kisumu-based human rights defender Boniface Akatch has called for a total shutdown of businesses and activities in Kisumu on June 25, as the region marks the anniversary of those who lost their lives.

Speaking in Kisumu flanked by two families who lost their kin in the infamous anti-Finance Bill protests, Akatch confirmed that the demonstrations in the lakeside city are on.

“We shall have a total shut down in Kisumu. We shall be remembering the heroes who lost their lives as they fought for the good governance of the country,” said Mr Akatch.

He went on, “I call upon all those who will be joining us to be peaceful. Not to destroy anybody’s property or attack anyone in the process of carrying out the protest.”

The call follows a counter-protest witnessed in Kisumu on June 24, which was staged to castigate the planned June 25 demonstrations.

“We have seen a huge crowd that have been paid to hold demos in protest of the planned June 25. This is totally madness,” added Akatch.

Akatch reiterated his appeal for commercial activities to halt, urging stakeholders to respect the memory of the youths who died.

“I call upon all the businesses to be shut, we want a total shut down. Those who have public transport vehicles to keep them away. Let the parents also stay with their children at home, in the past we saw children being targeted and some even lost their lives,” he added.

His sentiments were echoed by Sungu Oyoo, who maintained that the peaceful protests would proceed as scheduled.

“The protests to remember the fallen heroes will continue as planned,” he added.

“I am told that the government has sponsored some goons who will be attacking people when they are demonstrating peacefully, I call upon my brothers to avoid such and if possible join us and be peaceful, and for those who will not join us, I request them to stay home and stand in solidarity with us,” said Oyoo.