NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Anti-government protesters in Kenya’s capital clashed with a pro-government group on Tuesday, setting fire to a motorcycle belonging to people who have voiced support for the president.
The pro-government group rode motorbikes through the streets of Nairobi on Tuesday morning, in preparation for a planned rally by anti-government protesters.
The anti-government group lit bonfires in the Imara Daima suburb along the highway leading to Kenya’s main airport, where Tuesday’s protests were due to take place. Airport officials asked travelers to arrive early because of extensive security checks, and flights continued as normal.
Elsewhere, police threw tear gas canisters at protesters blocking another major road to the airport.
Kenya’s anti-government protests have entered their fifth week, starting with calls for lawmakers to vote against a finance bill that proposed new taxes. President Willem Ruto refused to sign the controversial bill and has dismissed almost all of his ministersbut protesters continue to demand his resignation.
At least 50 people have been killed and 413 injured in the protests since June 18, according to Kenya’s National Human Rights Commission.
Police banned protests in Nairobi last week, saying there was no clear leadership that could work with the police to ensure security.
The court has issued an order suspending the police ban on protests. Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest and police are alerted in advance to ensure safety.
Police have been accused of violence against protesters in the past by activists and civil society groups.
Former Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome resigned on July 12 and acting police chief Douglas Kanja reiterated Tuesday that the country’s main airport is a “protected area” and “out of reach of unauthorized persons.”
“Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with swiftly, firmly and decisively by the law,” Kanja said.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who had earlier called for talks, denied allegations that he had been bribed to form a broad government with Ruto. He expressed support for the protesters and gave a list of demands he said the government had to meet before dialogue could take place.
The opposition is demanding that the families of the killed protesters be compensated and that charges against those arrested during the protests be dropped.
