Kenya police say 1 killed in opposition-led protests demanding President’s resignation

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Anti-government protests led by opposition leader Raila Odinga on Monday left one person dead, 31 police officers injured and over 200 people arrested according to Kenyan police.

Odinga announced that from next week the protests will take place twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays.

The opposition led thousands of Kenyans in protests Monday demanding the resignation of President William Ruto and denouncing the high cost of living.

According to a police report, a university student was killed in western Kenya after police used live bullets after they ran out of rubber bullets.

On Tuesday, Inspector General of Police Japhet Kumi said 238 people had been arrested during protests in the western city of Kisumu, Odinga’s stronghold, and in the capital Nairobi.

Protests on Monday turned violent as police used tear gas, water cannon, and, in some incidents, live ammunition to disperse protesters, who responded by throwing stones.

Also, read; Protesters in South Africa Call for the Resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa

Odinga said police shot his car and his party spokesman posted a photo of a broken windshield online.

A civil society group condemned the police for using force, intimidation and arbitrary arrests.

The independent medical-forensic unit said four protesters were killed and 50 injured.

In the past, Kenya has witnessed a number of violent protests that have left people dead.

The government insists Monday’s protests were illegal as they were not allowed to hold them. But the opposition says the constitution provides for the right to protest peacefully and that police are only notified to ensure safety.

Kenya’s Vice President Rigathi Gachagua said the country lost an estimated two billion Kenyan shillings ($15 million) as a result of Monday’s protests.

Gachagua urged Odinga to cancel the demonstrations and consider the damage to the economy.

Odinga has remained adamant, saying protests will continue until the cost of living comes down.

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