Kenya bans demonstrations in parts of the country

Kenya’s Interior Security Ministry has banned demonstrations within the central business districts of the capital Nairobi, Western city of Kisumu and the coastal city of Mombasa.

The ministry has cited the escalation of lawlessness including looting and damaging private property and businesses.

The ban comes a day after thousands of opposition supporters held demonstrations in opposition leader Raila Odinga‘s strongholds demanding reforms ahead of repeat polls later in October.

“I told a media briefing in Nairobi that organisers of the demonstrations would be held liable for any damage to private property,” says Minister Fred Matiangi.

– By Sarah Kimani