Kenya braces for protests against rising cost of living

NAIROBI, Kenya

Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga on Sunday called on his supporters to come out in large numbers to take part in countrywide protests on Monday to demand that President William Ruto lowers the cost of living.

“Since Ruto was sworn in six months ago he has continued to run this country with a lot of contempt, many Kenyans cannot bear the cost of living; many people are dying because of lack of food,” Odinga said during a rally in Nairobi on Sunday.

The upcoming protests have already caused concern among business owners in the capital Nairobi, with many expected to close their shops as tensions rise.

Responding to Odinga's call, Ruto said that he would not allow the opposition leader to “incite violence” in the country.

However, he promised to protect all protesters and those who will not participate in the demonstrations.

“Raila Odinga has no reason to terrorize the country with violence, demonstrations and chaos, police officers will work in accordance with the law, they will ensure the rights of everybody are protected (during the Monday protests),” the president said.

Also speaking on Sunday, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki assured Kenyans that the police would protect the rights of all citizens, whether they join the protests or continue with their day-to-day activities.

Kindiki urged protesters to exercise their constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully and to respect the rights of others.

“Any person who incites public disorder or otherwise breaches the peace in any part of the Republic of Kenya on Monday, March 20 shall be prosecuted,” Kindiki said.

Odinga’s two other demands include the halting of the ongoing process of appointing new electoral commissioners and opening the electoral commission's servers for scrutiny.

The protests come at a time when Kenyans are grappling with a high cost of living. The government's recent tax measures and increase in fuel prices have led to a spike in food and fuel prices.

Simultaneous opposition protests are set to be held on March 20 in six African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Gambia, Tunisia, and South Africa, albeit with different objectives.