REPORT

Kenya: violent clashes in Nairobi, one protester killed in the west of the country

Audio 01:31

Riot police fire tear gas to disperse Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga as he participates in a nationwide protest against the cost of living and against the government of President William Ruto, in Nairobi, Kenya, March 20, 2023 REUTERS - THOMAS MUKOYA

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

The Kenyan capital was the scene of clashes between police and protesters on Monday 20 March. Raila Odinga, leader of the opposition, had called for a march against soaring prices and for the reopening of election servers, since he still contests William Ruto's victory in last August's presidential election. But the march, which had been banned, was prevented by police with tear gas and water cannons. In the west of the country, one protester was shot dead, police said in a statement.

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With our correspondent in Nairobi, Florence Morice

It is 14:30 pm in Nairobi, Raila Odinga tries to hold speech, from his vehicle, when his convoy is cleared by the police with water cannon and tear gas.

A crossover between riot police and the opponent in different parts of the capital ensued and it was only in the late afternoon that Raila Odinga was finally able to speak to supporters in the Mathare slum.

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They used cannons, they used tear gas, but they haven't seen anything yet. This is just the beginning! " he warned.

It was therefore impossible for the opponent to reach the city center where the rallying point was fixed. In the morning, all those who tried to gather there were systematically chased away and some even arrested.

"The youth suffers, but when we come to complain, they attack us. I am a marine engineer, graduated 5 years ago, but I have never found any work in this country. What am I supposed to do? Leave my country? " says Martin Asesa, a 28-year-old unemployed man.

The main demand of the demonstrators: measures against inflation, which reached 9.2% year-on-year in February, a huge disappointment for Peter Oriku: "All prices are rising. William Ruto had promised to reduce the cost of living in 100 days, but he did not keep his promise at all. Even corn flour has become overpriced!

Raila Odinga, who also continues to claim that the presidential election was "stolen", promises new demonstrations every Monday, until he is heard.

The organizers deplore about twenty arrests including those of two parliamentarians, Stewart Madzayo, minority leader in the Senate, and Opiyo Wandayi, MP, both members of Raila Odinga's party.

READ ALSO: Kenya: rising tensions between Ruto and Odinga, ahead of an opposition demonstration

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• Kenya
• William Ruto