Kenya’s interior ministry has said the country is on the brink of chaos, a situation that is “a grave danger to the rule of law and the stability of our country”.
The ministry made good its promise to deploy a robust police presence to stop what it called a descent into “irretrievable anarchy”, ahead of more opposition protests planned for Thursday.
This morning there is heavy police presence in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, local media outlets have been sharing pictures of water canons and riot police stationed in opposition strongholds across the city.
Road blocks have also been mounted on roads leading to state house – the president’s official residence.
Businesses have been opened in the city centre and public transport vehicles are operating. Authorities have, however, suspended train services in Nairobi ahead of expected demonstrations.
There have been several violent confrontations over recent days between supporters of the opposition politician, Raila Odinga, and the police.
Mr Odinga has called for the demonstrations twice a week – Monday and Thursdays – to protest against the high cost of living and he calls for electoral justice after last year’s election.
At least two people have been killed in the protests, with 85 civilians and 51 police officers injured, according to the interior ministry. Private properties have been damaged and looted, and a church and mosque burnt in the ensuing chaos.
On Monday, the former president Uhuru Kenyatta family’s farm was invaded by looters and a gas cylinder factory linked to Mr Odinga was also vandalised.
“The current portrait of anarchy and the unfolding criminal madness must stop… Any aggravation of the prevailing situation would certainly set back the country. We must halt the descent,” the interior ministry said.
