By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Police authorities in Kenya have placed a ban on further opposition demonstrations which started last week Monday and escalated into riots.
“We will not allow violent demonstrations,” Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome told reporters on Sunday.
“The demonstrations they plan tomorrow (Monday) are illegal and will not be allowed,” he said, adding that his force was ready to keep the peace and would arrest anyone carrying offensive weapons.
Last Monday’s protests, which were also not authorised by police descended into violence, with riot police firing tear gas and water cannon at people hurling stones and setting tyres ablaze.
More than 200 people were arrested, including several senior opposition politicians, while veteran opposition, Raila Odinga’s own convoy was hit with tear gas and water cannon.
“You all saw what happened last week and we won’t allow that to happen again, where hooligans come to town to loot and destroy people’s property and businesses,” Koome said.
Odinga had called on the people to take to the streets on Monday and Thursday against President William Ruto over the high cost of living, remained defiant.
“I am asking our supporters and all Kenyans to come out and join the peaceful demonstrations,” he said at a church service on Sunday.
“I want to tell Mr Ruto and the IG Koome that we are not going to be intimidated,” he said. “We are not going to fear tear gas and police.”
Many Kenyans are struggling to put food on the table, battling high prices for basic goods, a plunging local currency and a record drought that has left millions hungry.
