Kenya says 238 arrested in day of violent protests

Several protests held in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, organised by the Opposition demanding the resignation of President William Ruto. Opposition leader Raila Odinga announced weekly demonstrations until the President resigns or the cost of living goes down.

Kenyan police said on March 21, 2023, they had arrested 238 people during violent protests over the cost of living which also saw 31 police officers injured.

Protesters had joined demonstrations in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya on March 20, in response to a call by veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga for a day of action against the government of President William Ruto.

Police fired tear gas and water cannon against demonstrators, some of whom were hurling rocks and burning tyres, as well as against Mr. Odinga’s motorcade. It was the worst violence in the East African nation since Mr. Ruto took office six months ago after narrowly beating Mr. Odinga in an election his rival claims was “stolen”.

The inspector general of police, Japhet Koome, said in a statement that 213 people were arrested in Nairobi and 24 officers injured. In the province of Nyanza, an opposition stronghold in western Kenya, there were 25 arrests while seven officers were hurt, he said.

Police on March 19, said the demonstrations in Nairobi were banned because a request for authorisation had not been made in time.

“What the organisers purported to be a peaceful demonstration turned into violent crime scenes with protesters engaging in running battles with, and stone throwing at the anti-riot police officers, barricading roads thus hindering freedom of movement for law-abiding citizens,” Mr. Koome said.

“The unwarranted day-long standoff that was witnessed in Nairobi and (the western lakeside city of) Kisumu amounts to nothing short of violence against police and economic sabotage.”