A battle rages between police and members of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition despite the protests being declared illegal by IG Koome.
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome stated in a statement issued Tuesday evening that leaders of the Azimio coalition led by Raila Odinga had not provided any official notification to the police about the planned demonstrations, therefore the gatherings would be considered illegal.
As a result, the Police Inspector General has threatened to employ "all lawful means" to disperse any gatherings on Wednesday.
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He said that in the interest of national security, the National Police Service wishes to inform the public that in the absence of notifications by demonstration planners as a legal prerequisite to enable Police to provide adequate security to demonstrators and the public, Police have no other option but to take necessary measures to disperse all illegal demonstrations.
Meanwhile, President Ruto has issued a warning shot to the opposition, vowing not to allow any violent protests that endanger Kenyans' lives.
A section of the Nairobi Expressway has been temporarily closed due to the ongoing nationwide demonstrations. In a statement on Wednesday, Moja Expressway said toll services have been halted at the Mlolongo, Syokimau and SGR stations.
Police have lobed teargas at protesters in several parts of the country taking part in the anti-government demonstrations called by the opposition.
Police have sprayed tear gas at people taking part in opposition-organized anti-government protests across the country.
Protestors have taken over the main Police Station in Kitale. No one is coming in or going out. Aki naisha 😂😂😜🤣 #Maandamano #Maandamanowednesday pic.twitter.com/8LqXgLjcWe
— Karen Wanjiku HSC (@WanjikuHSC) July 12, 2023
After engaging demonstrators in ongoing battles over the high cost of living, police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds gathering to picket in Nairobi's Mathare neighborhood.
Mombasa and Kisumu, as well as the communities of Migori, Nyamira, and Emali, witnessed similar images.
Azimio called for protests because the Kenya Kwanza government had imposed onerous tax laws rather than prioritizing the needs of Kenyans.