An important security device was put in place on Monday by the Kenyan authorities because of the call to demonstrate against the high cost of living on the part of the opposition, while all gatherings were banned by the police.
Riot squads occupy strategic points in Nairobi and patrol its streets, where many businesses have remained closed. Rail links between the suburbs of the capital and the business center have been suspended.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Sunday maintained his call to demonstrate against the effects of inflation every Monday and Thursday, shortly after the police chief banned gatherings on Monday.
Mr. Odinga, beaten by William Ruto in the last presidential election in August, called Sunday’s show of force scheduled for Monday “the mother of all protests”.
“I want to tell Mr. Ruto and (Police Chief Japhet) Koome that we will not be intimidated,” he warned. “We are not going to fear tear gas and the police.”
Last Monday, opposition demonstrations led to clashes between protesters and police, and paralyzed neighborhoods of the capital.
A student was killed by police gunfire while 31 officers were injured in clashes in Nairobi and opposition strongholds in western Kenya.
More than 200 people were arrested, including several senior opposition politicians, while Mr Odinga’s convoy was targeted with tear gas and water cannons.
It was the first notable violence since William Ruto took office six months ago after beating Raila Odinga, in a poll his rival calls “robbed”.
William Ruto, currently traveling in Europe, called on the opposition leader on Thursday to end the protests.
Many Kenyans struggle to feed themselves and struggle with high commodity prices. Inflation reached 9.2% in February, according to the government, and the region’s record drought is depriving millions of people of resources and food.
Kenya’s energy regulator has also announced an increase in electricity prices from April, while Mr Ruto said in January there would be none.
03/27/2023 10:14:28 – Nairobi (AFP) – © 2023 AFP
