NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — At least four protesters were injured in Kenya on Wednesday as police clashed with protesters calling on the government to lower the cost of living.
The opposition has called for three days of protests across the country starting Wednesday in a new wave of demonstrations aimed at forcing the president to deal with the rising cost of living.
President William Ruto had vowed no protests would take place in the country, saying he would confront opposition leader Raila Odinga “head-on”.
Four protesters were injured in the capital, Mathare area of Nairobi, according to a police officer who wished to remain anonymous as he was not authorized to speak to the media.
Businesses in Nairobi remained closed on Wednesday as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters.
Protests have been reported in several other parts of the country, including the western counties of Kisumu, Migori and Kisii, where the opposition enjoys huge support. Police said on Tuesday that Wednesday’s protests were illegal because no permit had been issued.
Day schools in Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa have been ordered to close by the Minister of Education.
Protests last week left more than six people dead and scores injured, including 53 children in shock after tear gas was fired at their school compound.
Religious leaders called for dialogue between the government and the opposition to end the protests.
Catholic bishops led by Anthony Muheria issued a statement on Wednesday reiterating that “no more blood must be shed” and urged the president to repeal the recently passed finance bill that has agitated Kenyans.
The new finance law has raised the price of fuel to its highest level as the government introduces a doubling of the value added tax on petroleum products to 16%. The new prices went into effect despite a court ruling suspending the application of the controversial new taxes.
Western envoys from 13 countries issued a joint statement on Tuesday calling for dialogue and expressed concern over the loss of life and destruction of property.
Rights group Human Rights Watch on Tuesday urged political leaders to stop calling protesters “terrorists” and respect the right to peaceful protest. The group called out the police for using force and live ammunition to confront protesters.
The right to peaceful protest is enshrined in Kenya’s constitution, but the opposition has in the past staged violent protests that have resulted in deaths.