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Police fire tear gas as protests continue

Broadcast United News Desk
Police fire tear gas as protests continue

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Kenyan police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered in the capital, Nairobi.

The protests followed a heavy government deployment of security forces, including the army, and road blockades around major buildings in the capital.

Two days ago, protests against tax increases broke out, part of the Parliament building was burned down, and 22 people were reportedly killed.

The next day, President William Ruto, under pressure, said he would withdraw the finance bill containing the unpopular tax proposals.

Protesters vowed to gather again in the city center to mourn the victims.

Some also vowed to march to the president’s official residence, the State Capitol.

Other high-profile figures associated with the protests have also warned against the move, saying it risks sparking further violence.

The road leading to the building has been blocked and police have banned some motor vehicles and pedestrians from passing.

Earlier in the day, local television reported that streets in the capital’s central business district were deserted and there were numerous security forces patrolling.

Protests also broke out in towns and cities across the country.

In Mombasa, Kenya’s second largest city, large crowds chanted “Ruto must go”, some shops were forced to close, and some shops were looted and stoned.

President Ruto’s hometown of Eldoret experienced violent clashes on Tuesday but has now returned to calm.

But there were some clashes in Migori in western Kenya, where police fired tear gas as they exchanged fire with demonstrators.

In Kisumu, also in the west, large numbers of demonstrators clashed with security officials.

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