Nyanza, once a major hotspot of violence during nationwide protests, is now witnessing a rare and transformative rebirth, as the region enjoys resounding peace and tranquillity amid chaos elsewhere in the country.

On Monday, while sections of Kenyans engaged in running battles with law enforcement during the Saba Saba protests, Kisumu, Migori and Homa Bay counties remained completely silent, with business proceeding as usual.

Apart from a few businesses that closed as a precaution, the region experienced peace once again, with some residents urging others to maintain calm and avoid costly protests.

These developments present a stark contrast to a region that has previously borne the brunt of protests, which resulted in the loss of several lives and widespread suffering due to the destruction of businesses. Here, protests were so bold that no demonstration was considered complete without stones being hurled at Kondele Police Station or the Migori Bridge being barricaded to block movement to the Tanzanian border.

Kondele, Nyanza’s political hotbed and reputed crime centre, is rapidly shedding its negative image, with thriving economic activities attributed to the prevailing peace.

For decades, Kondele has been regarded as the litmus test of the region’s political climate and has become a brand recognised worldwide. In 1969, Kondele was the scene of the stoning of Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta, during the launch of the New Nyanza General Hospital, located just a few metres from the town centre.

More recently, President William Ruto also faced hostility here, pelted with stones during his 2021 visit as Deputy President.

Yet on Monday, Kondele remained peaceful. A visit by The Standard found traders open, vehicles moving freely, and peace banners reading “No maandamano in Kisumu” and “Luos for peace” placed strategically at protest hotspots.

Many attribute the calm to ODM leader Raila Odinga’s political truce with President Ruto. But some residents warn that should Raila shift his stance, unrest could return instantly. “Youth were ready, but we held back. Not because all is well, but because we are tired of the consequences,” said Mark Owino, a local resident.

Others say they saw opportunity in the calm. “While others protested, we made money,” said Maureen Awino, a grocery trader who lost her stock in the 2023 Azimio protests.

In Migori, Gen Z organisers and Bunge la Wananchi leaders reportedly agreed to hold off protests. “We realised we were being used by politicians,” said Daniel Moi of Suna West.