Two dead as violent anti-government protests rock Kenya

Hundreds of people have taken to the streets in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, demanding for President William Ruto’s resignation.

So far, at least two have been confirmed dead.

The protest which has now entered its second week has been characterised by looting, property destruction, and calls for a reduction in food prices.

There have also been reports of protesters setting tyres ablaze and gangs assaulting journalists in Kibera.

The march to the streets defies the government’s ban on protests.

Raila Odinga, the opposition leader who suffered defeat to Ruto in Kenya’s election last year, is leading the demonstrations.

Odinga has accused Ruto of rigging last year’s election and of failing to control the surging cost of living.

He had challenged Ruto’s victory but Kenya’s supreme court, in September, threw the case out after describing Odinga’s evidence as “hot air”.

The opposition leader has urged his followers to take to the streets twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays.

Moussa Mahamat, the African Union (AU) chairperson, expressed “deep concern” at the violence that led to deaths and interruption of certain economic activities.

He resounded the court’s affirmation of Ruto’s victory and expressed solidarity with Kenya’s government.

Mahamat called for calm and asked stakeholders to engage in dialogue to address any differences that may exist in the supreme interest of national unity and reconciliation.