Anti-government protests in Kenya hit Nairobi for 2nd week. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the head of the African Union Commission, expressed “deep concern” on Tuesday. After anti-government protests in Kenya turned violent, and urged calm.
“In the supreme interest of national unity and reconciliation, the chairperson urges all stakeholders to exercise calm and engage in dialogue to address any differences that may exist,” Faki’s office said in a statement.
Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, has called for weekly demonstrations every Monday and Thursday. Accusing President William Ruto of stealing last year’s election and failing to control the rising cost of living.
On Monday, police fired tear gas canisters at vehicles carrying journalists in Nairobi and Kisumu. Both of which are Odinga strongholds, to disperse crowds, while looters rampaged.
Officers also used tear gas and water cannons as Odinga’s motorcade passed through a congested Nairobi neighborhood. Sending residents fleeing for cover.
According to the director of Kisumu’s main hospital, one man was shot dead. The second fatality reported since the protests began the previous Monday, when a university student was killed by police fire.
According to his office, Faki “expresses deep concern about violence… which has resulted in loss of life, property damage, and the disruption of certain economic activities.”
“The chairperson reiterates the total solidarity with and support to the government and the people of Kenya’s efforts working towards national unity, peace and stability in the country.”
Many Kenyans are struggling to put food on the table, battling high prices for basic goods as well as a plunging local currency and record drought that has left millions hungry.
