On Monday, Kenyans were getting ready for another wave of anti-government demonstrations following a police prohibition, as the opposition vowed to continue their efforts to combat the rising cost of living.
Raila Odinga, a seasoned opposition figure, urged citizens to join in on street protests every Thursday and Monday, despite the previous week’s violent clashes that brought several areas of Nairobi to a standstill.
However, on Sunday, the police announced a ban on the rallies. “We will not allow violent demonstrations,” said Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.
“The demonstrations they plan tomorrow (Monday) are illegal and will not be allowed,” he added.
During the clashes on the previous Monday between demonstrators and riot police in Nairobi and opposition strongholds in western Kenya, a university student was killed and 31 officers were injured in police gunfire. Approximately 200 people, including various senior opposition politicians, were arrested, while protesters, including Odinga’s convoy, were met with water cannons and tear gas.
This was the first significant political unrest since incumbent President William Ruto assumed power six months ago after defeating Odinga in an election that his opponents claimed was “rigged”.
Despite the police ban, Odinga urged Kenyans on Sunday to participate in what he called “the mother of all demonstrations”. “We will not be intimidated,” he added.
President Ruto, on the other hand, called on his rival to cease his activities. “I am telling Raila Odinga that if he has an issue with me, he should confront me and stop terrorizing the country,” he said on Thursday.
