Even as the politics of 'the handshake' continue to escalate and gain prominence, several things that happened in Kisumu during last year's pre and post election demos have not changed.
As a result, of the highly contested and also largely boycotted election, Kisumu residents took to the streets in protest of alleged rigging of votes from Opposition Chief Raila Odinga in favor of now President Uhuru Kenyatta.
To the chagrin of many, the rage filled protesters who chanted anti-Uhuru and anti-IEBC slogans made various changes on names of places and roads that had a connection to the Kenyatta’s family.
The following are the names of places that were changed from Kenyatta related names in a move to meet the interests of the then NASA/ODM fraternity.
1. Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground
This was the first place to have its name changed by pro-NASA supporters who labelled it as Jaramogi grounds.
The word Jomo Kenyatta has since been painted off in all other places where it appeared previously.
2. Jubilee Market
Kisumu’s largest fresh produce market otherwise branded as Jubilee market has also been re-branded to James Orengo market.
3. Mama Ngina Children’s Home
This charitable facility was also not left out in the NASA and Jubilee politics. Its name Mama Ngina was also painted out by a red paint and inscribed as Mama Ida Children’s home.
4. Jomo Kenyatta highway
This is one of the longest highways in Kisumu city. Its sign at Angawa Avenue Round About was also painted and rebranded as Baby Pendo Highway.
These new names are only subscribed to by ODM/NASA enthusiasts from Kisumu and though visible, they are not the gazetted names of the described locations.