Kenya’s government closed schools in the capital and two other areas on Wednesday as East Africa’s economic powerhouse braced for three days of demonstrations against the cost of living, which the president has said he would not allow to take place.
FILE PHOTO: Kenya's President William Ruto meets Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during his official visit at the State House in Nairobi, Kenya, July 12, 2023.FILE PHOTO: Kenya's President William Ruto meets Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during his official visit at the State House in Nairobi, Kenya, July 12, 2023.
Kenya’s opposition called for the protests in part because of tax hikes passed last month by the government of President William Ruto, who was elected last August pledging to champion the interests of the poor, but has seen the price of basic commodities balloon under his administration. Churches and civil rights groups have called for Ruto and veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga to resolve their differences through dialogue and call off the protests.
Odinga has failed to win the last five presidential votes, but has secured senior positions in government in the past by making deals with those in power, following spasms of unrest.
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