With our correspondent in Nairobi, Florence Morice
Dense white smoke rises over Kawangware district. Police continue to use tear gas against Raila Odinga’s convoy.
The adversary thwarted an impressive use of security forces to sneak in and address his supporters: “We demand a cost of living cut, a cut in the price of cornmeal, a cut in gas prices, lower sugar prices and school fees. »
This time the anger of the demonstrators did not reach downtown Nairobi, but since Monday morning in Raila Odinga’s strongholds, police and youth have slammed stones and burned tires at tear gas and water cannons to prevent them from advancing.
Elvis Otepa was among them: “Mr. William Ruto promised us a free education, but I can’t afford my education today, more than $200. We cannot afford transport. We can’t afford most of the things we need. That’s why we’re on the street, not thugs. We do this to defend our human rights and our children. »
Others, like Reheme Magheni, worry about the impact of these repeated protests on daily life and the economy: “Neither Ruto nor Odinga…no one will give us corn. So people better sit down, work and stop this whole mess. »
Many shops remained closed on Monday. Rail connections between the capital’s suburbs and the business center have also been suspended.
Finally, it should be noted that unidentified persons broke into a property owned by Uhuru Kenyatta in Ruiru on Monday, cutting down trees and stealing livestock. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta supported Raila Odinga in the presidential elections.
The Media Council of Kenya, a journalists’ union, has also said that several journalists were “attacked by gangs” and “some press vehicles were hit with tear gas”. These attacks are “not tolerable” and “threaten democracy,” the union said.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto is on a state visit to Berlin, where he met the President and business leaders on Monday to encourage investment in Kenya.
also read : Kenya: Opposition wants to continue inflation protests despite ban