The Police in Kenyan capital city of Nairobi have attacked the country’s opposition leader Raila Odinga’s convoy with teargas as he spearheaded the biggest protest against President William Ruto government since it took office.
The massive protests have led to the killing of a university student in Kisumu as the protests spread to other cities, with Odinga accusing the government of President Ruto of being “illegitimate”, and of failing to tackle the high cost of living. Mr Ruto has, however, rejected the claims.
After a keenly contested presidential election last year, the Kenyan electoral body declared Ruto as winner but Odinga headed to the court. The country’s highest court, however, upheld Ruto’s victory in last year’s election, but Mr Odinga insisted that the election was “stolen”.
The former Prime Minister has been driving through Nairobi’s residential suburbs to rally his supporters and has vowed to organise weekly protests against the government.
The protests have paralysed many businesses as many have shutdown for fear of being looted. At least one person has been reportedly shot in the capital.
Running battles have taken place on the main Kenyatta Avenue between police and demonstrators, some of whom are throwing stones at the security officers.
Roads leading to key government buildings have been blocked and the president’s official residence sealed off.
In the western city of Kisumu, where Mr Odinga draws a fanatical following, riot police confronted protesters.
The university student died after being shot in the neck by police in the Maseno area of the city, Kenyan media reports.
Police said demonstrators threw stones and injured six officers, prompting security forces to fire live bullets.
