The Kenyan police on Tuesday used teargas to disperse protestors who resumed their anti-government protests against skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, including food and fuel, in the country, reported Reuters.
Tuesday’s protests resumed after a one-month hiatus. In March, opposition leader Raila Odinga had called for protests against President William Ruto, whom he accuses of tampering and winning the August 2022 presidential election and of being unable to control the current price hike in the country. He had organized bi-weekly demonstrations on Mondays and Thursdays since March 20.
The three days of protests in March led to clashes, looting, and vandalism. Three people, including a policeman, were killed during these rallies banned by the Kenyan authorities.
Last month, Odinga announced a suspension of the protests after President William Ruto appealed for talks to discuss the issues. Kenya’s president called for the creation of a bipartisan parliamentary committee to work through concerns over the electoral process. However, he ruled out any alliance with his rival.
Mr. Odinga welcomed Mr. Ruto’s call for talks but warned that protests could resume if there was no progress.
The discussion process has stalled in the last few weeks, notably over the composition of the various delegations. Both the opposition and the ruling party nominated politicians to take part in the discussions, but the opposition rejected some of those nominated by the ruling party.
Protests are expected to escalate in the coming days, with the opposition vowing to continue their push for economic reforms by holding bi-weekly protests on Mondays and Thursdays.
The Kenyan government, on the other hand, has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the country’s economic challenges but has called for calm and dialogue rather than protests.
Kenya is facing skyrocketing inflation, which hit 9.2 percent year-on-year in February. Food prices alone have risen by 13.3%.
