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Odinga Uses Public Transport to Protest Kenya's High Living Costs

Police dispersed and teargassed hundreds of demonstrators in Kisumu protests that replicated in Nairobi, Kisii, Mombasa and other towns on July 7, 2023.

One person succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Kisumu the following morning, raising the number of deaths from the Saba Saba protests to two. Seven others remained hospitalised at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital, all with gunshot injuries, medics said.

The protests were called by opposition leader Raila Odinga who urged Kenyans to take to the streets against tax hikes occasioned by the Finance Bill.

Police used teargas on demonstrators in all the towns, and arrested more than 100 others.

On July 8, police used teargas on civil society representatives, including former chief justice Willy Mutunga, who were demanding the release of dozens of people taken into custody during the protests, campaigners said.

Odinga has constantly criticised the government of President William Ruto, accusing it of failing to consider the plight of Kenyans, particularly after the Finance Bill was passed paving the way for increased commodity prices, including fuel.

Similar protests were violently dispersed by police in May 2023 before the president set up a team to negotiate with Odinga in a structured dialogue on his grievances apart from the vote-rigging claim.

President William Ruto slammed the protests, calling them undemocratic and reiterated that there is no room for opposition leaders in government as proposed parliamentary-led bi-partisan talks appeared to have hit a dead end.

On July 10, Odinga excited commuters when he boarded a Public Service Vehicle (PSV), where some passengers seized the opportunity to snap a selfie with the opposition chief, who attentively listened to their concerns as some voiced their frustrations over the escalating cost of food and the high price of fuel.

Raila Odinga/Twitter

Opposition leader Raila Odinga in a matatu from Ngong to Nairobi CBD.

InFocus

Ni Hulius!/Twitter

Protesters burn streets leading to Nairobi CBD.

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