On Wednesday, the police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered in several Kenyan towns to protest against price rises and new taxes imposed by the Government which promised to respond firmly to any unrest.
Previous days of protest, in March, April and July, resulted in looting and violence that left at least twenty people dead.
This time, the Azimio coalition, led by Raila Odinga, has called for three days of protests on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday against the policies of President William Ruto, whom it accuses of stealing the August 2022 presidential election, and worsening the rising cost of living in this East African country.
“The demonstrations have greatly affected my life, I can’t go to work freely”, said Monica Njoki, a 45-year-old shopkeeper, hoping that the rallies would “stop”. “We have to give the President time to keep his promises”, she said.
Elected in August 2022 on a promise to support the most disadvantaged, William Ruto is increasingly criticized, especially since he enacted a law introducing new taxes at the beginning of July, adding to the daily difficulties of Kenyans, caused in particular by continuing inflation (8% year-on-year in June).
In a joint statement on Tuesday, thirteen Western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, expressed their concern at the “high levels of violence” during the latest demonstrations, urging the various parties to “resolve their differences peacefully”.