Tight security as more protests expected in Kenya

Riot police have been deployed and roads have been blocked around key buildings in the Kenyan capital Nairobi ahead of further protests expected on Thursday.

Local TV stations show empty streets in the central business district, where many security officers patrol.

It comes two days after 22 people were reported killed in protests against tax increases, during which part of parliament was set on fire and police fired live ammunition.

The next day, President William Ruto bowed to pressure and said he would withdraw a funding bill containing the unpopular tax proposals that sparked the original protests.

But demonstrators say they plan to gather again in the city center to mourn those killed in previous protests.

Some have promised to organize a march to the president’s official residence, State House.

Other prominent people involved in the protests have warned against this due to the risk of further violence.

Roads leading to the building have been blocked and officers have turned away some motorists and pedestrians.

Mombasa, the second largest city, was quiet and some people continued with their work, a local TV station showed.

But there were some clashes in Migori, western Kenya, with police using tear gas to confront protesters.

Crowds of protesters gathered in Kisumu, also in the west.