Deadly protest looms in Kenya as police run out of ammunition

NAIROBI, Kenya

Kenya opposition coalition, the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya is now appealing to the neighboring countries not to support Kenya’s security agencies in the violent actions of dealing with protesters during the anti-government protests going on in the country.

Addressing the media ahead of a three-day wave of protests set to kick off across the countries on Wednesday, Azimio, in a statement read by NARC-Kenya Party leader Martha Karua, urged the countries in the region not to support what she termed as President William Ruto’s “war against Kenyans.”

While Karua did not specifically mention any country, she pointed out that the Ruto government should not be supplied with teargas and ammunition to fight Kenyans.  

“Ruto is at war, not just with Azimio but with the entire Kenya population especially those who do not support him. We appeal to our neighbours in the region not to join Ruto’s war against Kenyans. Our neighbours must not supply Ruto with teargas and ammunition to fight Kenyans,” said Karua.

She added: “Our crime is only that we have challenged Ruto to bring down the cost of food, reconstitute the Electoral body (IEBC) in a way that includes all players and to respect political parties.”

The coalition has urged Kenyans to come out in large numbers on Wednesday to take part in what they have branded as the 'sufuria movement' against actions by the government.

The remarks by Karua come on the backdrop of a standoff at the border town of Busia where residents are reported to have stopped a trailer from Uganda on suspicion it was carrying weapons.

Officials said the truck was travelling from Uganda under heavy military supervision, with its driver attempting to enter the country without passing it through the inspection area.

At press time, the border officials had detained the truck while residents pitched camp around the area, demanding that the trailer be opened before being allowed into the country.

There were also a few police officers patrolling the area, armed with guns and tear gas canisters.