Harare — The protests organised by Kenya opposition leader Raila Odinga will go ahead as the government warns demonstrators that violence will not be tolerated after more than a dozen people were killed during unrest in the past few weeks.
Schools and stores are closed as residents of Nairobi, Kisuma and other cities are being urged to bang pots and pans in protest against the high cost of living in the country, and what Odinga describes as an illegitimate government.
President William Ruto's new administration signed into law the Finance Bill that was approved by the National Assembly to raise additional funds through new taxes. The controversial Bill was passed during a stormy session, largely boycotted by the opposition.
According to government statistics, the cost of several important food items increased significantly in the 12 months leading up to June. The price of essentials like rice, potatoes, and sugar increased by over 60%, while the cost of staples like maize, grain, and flour has increased by up to 30%.
According to the most recent survey by a local polling company, Tifa, even those who continue to support the administration are expressing "a considerable level of unhappiness with the current state of affairs".
The study found that more Kenyans - 56%, up from 48% in March - believe that their country is moving in the wrong direction.
The polling agency said the unhappiness may be fueling support for the Azimio opposition alliance, led by Odinga, who was defeated by Ruto in the 2022 elections.
Odinga has run for president of Kenya five times. On each occasion, he said he had been cheated out of victory. He missed out on the presidency in 2022 to William Ruto, whose victory was validated by the country's highest court.
Odinga said he has evidence that the election was rigged and urged his followers to hold demonstrations until Ruto's win is overturned. Ruto's attempts to bolster the second-largest economy in East Africa are being undermined by the unrest, which is scaring away visitors and investors.
