Kenya anti-government protests enter second week

NAIROBI, Kenya

Kenya Police fired tear gas to disperse anti-government protests on Monday over the high cost of living, after the opposition vowed demonstrations would go ahead despite a police ban.

Security was tight, with riot police stationed at strategic points in Nairobi and patrolling the streets, while many shops were shut and train services from the capital's outskirts into the central business district were suspended.

Veteran opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has urged people to take to the streets every Monday and Thursday, even after protests a week ago turned violent and paralysed parts of Nairobi.

Raila and his supporters once again succeeded in paralyzing business in the East Africa's largest economy city of Nairobi. Last week economists projected the business loss in the tune of Two Billion shillings.  

Police clashed with stone-throwing demonstrators in Nairobi's largest slum Kibera, where protesters set tyres on fire, defying a warning by the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, who said Sunday that the rallies were "illegal" and would be banned.

Protesters walk on a street in Kibera. Odinga has urged his followers to take to the streets twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays.

During last Monday's clashes in Nairobi and opposition strongholds in western Kenya, a university student was killed by police fire while 31 officers were injured as running battles erupted between riot police and demonstrators.

More than 200 people were arrested, including several senior opposition politicians, while protesters -- as well as Odinga's own motorcade -- were hit with tear gas and water cannon.

It was the first major outbreak of political unrest since President William Ruto took office more than six months ago after defeating Odinga in an election his rival claims was "stolen".

Despite the police ban, Odinga called Sunday on Kenyans to join what he has described as "the mother of all demonstrations".

"I want to tell Mr Ruto and the IG Koome that we are not going to be intimidated," he said. "We are not going to fear tear gas and police."

Odinga also accused Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of orchestrating an operation to cause "mayhem" at Monday's rallies.

A police officer takes position and aims his weapon towards protesters during a rally in Kawangware, Nairobi.

Nairobi residents were wary after the previous violence.

"I may have to close too because I have seen most of my neighbours are closed," said Mercy Wangare, an Mpesa (mobile money) kiosk attendant at an electronics shop.

"I am just weighing the situation before I decide because the sight of these policemen patrolling around is a sign that it may not end up well."

The Communications Authority of Kenya has sought to prevent television stations from broadcasting the demonstrations live, but the move was blocked by the High Court.