Kenyans defy government ban, protest high cost of living for 3rd time

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets of the capital Nairobi in anti-government protests Thursday for the third time in two weeks, despite a government ban on the demonstrations.

The protest turned violent, leaving dozens injured. Two journalists were seriously wounded after a tear gas canister was fired at close range into their media vehicle.

Public property was also vandalized or destroyed.

Led by opposition leader Raila Odinga, the protesters called for President William Ruto to reduce the cost of living, which has skyrocketed in the East African country.

“We will not relent until the cost of living and the prices of commodities go down,” Odinga told thousands of supporters in Embakasi.

Ruto, who arrived back on Thursday from a four-day trip to Germany and Belgium, has maintained that the protests are illegal and called on the police to maintain law and order.

On Wednesday, Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson banned opposition protests, asking the police to follow orders from Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki.

Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party offices in Siaya in western Kenya were also razed to the ground Thursday.

The bi-weekly protests have left many people injured and led to damage to buildings and vehicles, looting, vandalism and arson of places of worship, including a church and a mosque.

The ban on protests has sparked controversy, with some criticizing it as an infringement on the right to peaceful assembly.

The authorities, however, have emphasized the need to protect the economy and public safety.

Odinga has called for protests every Monday and Thursday across the country until the cost of living is lowered.