By AFP
Kenyans were bracing on Monday for a new round of anti-government demonstrations over the high cost of living, after the opposition vowed the action would go ahead despite a police ban.
Veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga has urged people to take to the streets every Monday and Thursday, even after protests a week ago turned violent and paralysed parts of the capital, Nairobi.
But police on Sunday announced the rallies would be banned.
“We will not allow violent demonstrations,” Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome told reporters.
“The demonstrations they plan tomorrow (Monday) are illegal and will not be allowed.”
A university student was killed by police fire during the previous Monday’s clashes while 31 officers were injured as running battles erupted between riot police and demonstrators in Nairobi and opposition strongholds in western Kenya.
More than 200 people were arrested, including several senior opposition politicians, while protesters — including Odinga’s own convoy — were hit with tear gas and water cannon.
It was the first major outbreak of political unrest since President William Ruto took office more than six months ago after defeating Odinga in an election his rival claims was “stolen”. Read more
