Fresh wave of protests returns to Kenyan streets

NAIROBI — Anti-government protests returned to the streets in Kenya on Thursday, resulting in injuries and more than 170 arrests.

The demonstrations, though smaller in scale than previous ones, were marked by youthful protesters who marched through the streets in six of Kenya's 47 counties.

In the Kenyan capital Nairobi, normal business was disrupted in the central business district, as shops remained closed and office workers avoided the area. Public transport was largely halted as minibus operators withdrew their vehicles, known as matatus, for safety reasons. Security officers engaged in running battles with protesters, using tear gas and live ammunition to disperse them.

"All we want is for our issues to be addressed, including increased unemployment among youth," a protester said.

Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli cautioned protesters against unlawful activities."Every Kenyan, as per the law, has the liberty to demonstrate, picket and assemble according to the law. But where the privilege of one ends is where that of another starts," he said.

In a move as part of efforts to reset his administration, Kenyan President William Ruto included opposition members in his newly reconstituted Cabinet, which was sworn into office on Thursday morning in Nairobi.

In July, Ruto dismissed nearly the entire Cabinet in response to widespread protests. He now appeals to Kenyans to allow the new Cabinet members the opportunity to fulfill their roles and address the concerns that fueled the unrest, which was sparked by controversial new tax measures introduced in June.

Xinhua