Kenyan police announced a ban on demonstrations in Nairobi’s central business district late on Wednesday after a series of anti-government protests turned violent. The initially peaceful rallies, sparked by now-abandoned tax hikes, have resulted in scores of deaths and injuries to hundreds of people, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. President William Ruto has attempted to calm the unrest by scrapping the proposed finance bill, dismissing most of his cabinet, and promising government cuts. However, his moves have failed to pacify the protesters, many of whom are now calling for his resignation. In his statement on Wednesday, Acting National Police Chief Douglas Kanja said that no demonstrations would be allowed in Nairobi’s central business district to ensure public safety, citing credible intelligence about criminal groups planning to exploit the protests.
SOURCE: FRANCE 24
