KENYA – Police have arrested two hundred and thirty-eight (238) civilians on Monday during violent protests over the cost of living in the eastern African country.
It was gathered that at least thirty-one (31) police officers were injured while trying to control the crowd.
Protesters took to the streets of the capital, Nairobi, and several other cities in response to a call for demonstrations by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
It was the first major unrest since President William Ruto took office in September last year, narrowly beating Odinga in an election his rival claims was “stolen”.
Odinga had called for the day of action, blaming the government for the economic woes faced by Kenyans.
They are battling high prices for food and fuel, a plunging currency, and a record drought that has left millions hungry.
Police fired tear gas and water cannon against demonstrators, some of whom were hurling rocks and burning tyres, as well as against Odinga’s motorcade.
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On Monday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged the organisers to call off the “mayhem and the chaos,” saying the protests had cost Kenya about $15 million in lost business.
But Odinga has vowed no let-up the action, calling for protests and strikes to be held every Monday until the cost of living comes down.
However, on Tuesday, the situation had returned to calm in Nairobi the country’s capital. (AFP)
