Protests across Kenya likely to continue

In Kenya, on Friday, 7 July, supporters of the opposition protested in multiple cities, including in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Kisii, to denounce the high cost of living and tax increases. The protesters lit bonfires and barricaded some major roads. In response, security officers dispersed them with tear gas and rubber bullets. Twenty people were arrested in the capital Nairobi, while at least three people were killed by the police elsewhere. o The protests came after the High Court on 30 June suspended the implementation of the newly signed finance law that was set to double fuel tax, but the government raised fuel prices anyway. Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio la Umoja opposition coalition, stated that his supporters plan to protest on Wednesday, 12 July, and to hold at least one demonstration every week. o Details are not certain in terms of demonstration locations, but they are likely to occur near government buildings, central squares and major intersections. In turn, officers will likely be deployed to break up demonstrations of dissent. Various Western companies have offices in Kenya, such as General Electric, Coca-Cola, Cisco, Bosch, Nestle, Sony, etc.