At least 16 people have been killed and 400 injured in nationwide protests in Kenya against President William Ruto’s government, human rights group Amnesty Kenya has said.
Police clashed with protesters, who marched in their thousands, some chanting “Ruto must go” and waving branches as a symbol of peaceful opposition to his rule.
The government banned live TV and radio coverage of the demonstrations, but its decree was overturned by the High Court in the capital, Nairobi.
Ruto urged protesters not to threaten peace and stability, as crowds tried to reach his official residence but were pushed back by police.
“Protests should not be to destroy peace in Kenya. We do not have another country to go to when things go wrong. It is our responsibility to keep our country safe,” he said.
The president was speaking at a burial ceremony in the coastal county of Kilifi.
His absence from State House, his official residence, was notable as young protesters threatened to storm it.
Police used barricades and razor wire to seal off major roads – especially those leading to State House and parliament.
The protests were held exactly a year after demonstrators stormed parliament, setting part of the building ablaze.
At least 60 people were killed in a wave of anti-government protests last year.
