Kenya opposition in fresh protests amid government warning
A protestor burns tyres to block the road on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga addresses his supporters on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A protestor holds stone to throw at riot police on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A protester holding a police shied challenge riot police on the outskirt of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that have been termed as illegal by the government. Police chief Japheth Koome insists that Thursday protests are illegal but the opposition leader Raila Odinga says Kenyans have a right to demonstrate. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Riot police chase the opposition convoy on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Protesters react next to a burning barricade during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga over the high cost of living, in Kibera Slum, Nairobi, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. Police chief Japheth Koome insists that Thursday protests are illegal but the opposition leader Raila Odinga says Kenyans have a right to demonstrate. (AP Photo/Samson Otieno)
Residents raise their hands as they pass riot police during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga over the high cost of living in Mathari Slums, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Opposition leader Raila Odinga, center, address his supporters on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Residents raise their hands as they pass riot police during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga, over the high cost of living in Mathari Slums, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Police use tear gas and water jet spray on the opposition convoy on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Kenya police use tear gas and water jet spray on the opposition convoy on the outskirt of the city Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government.(AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Police use tear gas on the opposition convoy on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Riot police stand guard during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga over the high cost of living in Mathare Slums, Nairobi, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. Police chief Japheth Koome insists that Thursday protests are illegal but the opposition leader Raila Odinga says Kenyans have a right to demonstrate. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Residents raise their hands during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga over the high cost of living in Mathari Slums, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A protestor burns tyres to block the road on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A protestor burns tyres to block the road on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga addresses his supporters on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga addresses his supporters on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A protestor holds stone to throw at riot police on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A protestor holds stone to throw at riot police on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A protester holding a police shied challenge riot police on the outskirt of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that have been termed as illegal by the government. Police chief Japheth Koome insists that Thursday protests are illegal but the opposition leader Raila Odinga says Kenyans have a right to demonstrate. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
A protester holding a police shied challenge riot police on the outskirt of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that have been termed as illegal by the government. Police chief Japheth Koome insists that Thursday protests are illegal but the opposition leader Raila Odinga says Kenyans have a right to demonstrate. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Riot police chase the opposition convoy on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Riot police chase the opposition convoy on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Protesters react next to a burning barricade during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga over the high cost of living, in Kibera Slum, Nairobi, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. Police chief Japheth Koome insists that Thursday protests are illegal but the opposition leader Raila Odinga says Kenyans have a right to demonstrate. (AP Photo/Samson Otieno)
Protesters react next to a burning barricade during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga over the high cost of living, in Kibera Slum, Nairobi, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. Police chief Japheth Koome insists that Thursday protests are illegal but the opposition leader Raila Odinga says Kenyans have a right to demonstrate. (AP Photo/Samson Otieno)
Residents raise their hands as they pass riot police during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga over the high cost of living in Mathari Slums, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Residents raise their hands as they pass riot police during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga over the high cost of living in Mathari Slums, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Opposition leader Raila Odinga, center, address his supporters on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Opposition leader Raila Odinga, center, address his supporters on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Residents raise their hands as they pass riot police during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga, over the high cost of living in Mathari Slums, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Residents raise their hands as they pass riot police during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga, over the high cost of living in Mathari Slums, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Police use tear gas and water jet spray on the opposition convoy on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Police use tear gas and water jet spray on the opposition convoy on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Kenya police use tear gas and water jet spray on the opposition convoy on the outskirt of the city Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government.(AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Kenya police use tear gas and water jet spray on the opposition convoy on the outskirt of the city Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government.(AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Police use tear gas on the opposition convoy on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Police use tear gas on the opposition convoy on the outskirts of Nairobi, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)
Riot police stand guard during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga over the high cost of living in Mathare Slums, Nairobi, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. Police chief Japheth Koome insists that Thursday protests are illegal but the opposition leader Raila Odinga says Kenyans have a right to demonstrate. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Riot police stand guard during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga over the high cost of living in Mathare Slums, Nairobi, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. Police chief Japheth Koome insists that Thursday protests are illegal but the opposition leader Raila Odinga says Kenyans have a right to demonstrate. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Residents raise their hands during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga over the high cost of living in Mathari Slums, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Residents raise their hands during a mass rally called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga over the high cost of living in Mathari Slums, Kenya, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police in Kenya are on high alert ahead of the third round of anti-government protests organized by the opposition that has been termed as illegal by the government. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga has led thousands of protesters in a third round of anti-government demonstrations on Thursday as the government warned that no more violent protests would be tolerated.
The opposition is blaming President William Ruto for the rising cost of living and alleges he illegally manipulated his election in last year’s polls, although the Supreme Court has upheld the validity of the election results.
Odinga says the protests will only stop after the government lowers the cost of basic food items and allows access to the 2022 election results from the electoral commission’s main computers.
Ruto, who on Thursday arrived back in the country from a four-day trip in Belgium and Germany, has remained adamant that the ongoing protests are illegal.
Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki, who is in charge of the police, on Wednesday said no more violent protests would be tolerated, stating “we must halt the descent.”
U.S Senator Chris Coons on Wednesday met Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for what the Kenyan leader described as “strengthening ties.”
Coons also met opposition leader Odinga for talks about “upholding the constitution and the rule of law,” according to the Kenyan politician.
Police have been using force to disperse protesters and so far four people are reported to have died since the protests started last week.
Odinga said the protests will be held twice every week until the opposition’s demands are met. A governor from Odinga’s stronghold of Kisumu county had banned protests in the area but quickly rescinded and local government officials joined in Thursday’s demonstrations.
The protests have sparked counter violence against opposition targets. Last Monday saw the destruction of private property at former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s family farm outside the capital, Odinga’s gas cylinder manufacturing firm near the central business district and the burning of shops in Odinga’s stronghold of Kibera slums.
The independent Policing Oversight Authority is investigating four incidents of police shooting and killing protesters as well allegations that police failed to respond to a report on the damaging of private property. The authority has urged police to abide by the law while protecting life and property.
Civil society groups that include Amnesty Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission have expressed concern over the abuse of human rights by the police during the protests and urged police to uphold their service to humanity.
The African Union has called for calm and dialogue among stakeholders recalling a “successful conduct of the general elections and confirmation of the outcome by the Supreme Court.”
Western diplomatic missions in Kenya expressed concern over the violence and damage to places of worship and private property.
The Media Council of Kenya said that journalists have been attacked in the demonstrations and said it would work closely with the police to ensure perpetrators face the law.