On 12th July 2023, residents of Kisumu took to the streets to protest against the high cost of living. Protesters were caught in a confrontation with police who lobbed teargas to the crowds. The police even used live bullets which caused the death of two protesters and several others injured with gunshot wounds.
One of the deceased victims died at the Jaramogi Odinga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital while the other died at the Nightingale Hospital. Five other protesters with gunshot wounds underwent surgery at the Jaramogi Odinga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Several businesses at the CBD shut down as fear and tension swept through the city.