Eight killed, medicines say, like March Thousands in Nairobi

At least eight people were killed and 400 injured in national protests in Kenya against President William Ruto’s government, doctors and rights reported.

Police are confronted with the protesters who marched in their thousands – some chanting Ruto must go and wave branches as a symbol of a peaceful opposition to his rule.

The government banned live television and radio coverage of demonstrations, but its decree was overturned by the Supreme Court in the capital Nairobi.

Ruto called on protesters not to threaten peace and stability, as the crowds were trying to reach his official residence, but were pushed by police.

“The protests should not be to destroy peace in Kenya. We have no other country to go when things go wrong. It is our responsibility to keep our country safe,” he said.

The president was talking at a funeral ceremony in the Cillboat County.

His absence from the State House, his official residence, was remarkable as young protesters threatened to storm him.

Police use barricades and razor wire to seal the main roads – especially those that lead to the State House and Parliament.

The protests took place exactly a year after the demonstrators stormed parliament, placing part of the building blazing.

At least 60 people were killed in a wave of anti-government protests last year.

Authorities have not yet given data on victims of protests on Wednesday, but the Kenya Medical Association, the legal company of the police and the working group of police reforms have said in a joint statement that at least eight protesters have been killed.

Of the 400 wounded, 83 require “specialized treatment” and eight have suffered firearms. The wounded included three police officers, added to the statement.

Amina Mude told the BBC that he was joining the protests, “to fight for the future of my children.”

“I feel like a country where we do not go in the right direction, especially in education and everything that happens.

“I have the feeling that it is high time when our country and leadership listen to us.”

Video shots showed the weaves of white tear gases between the buildings in Narobi, sending protesters rolling for cover, cough and shielding their eyes.

In the heart of the city, protesters marching ahead shops and empty streets.

The fence around Parliament was lined with wreaths and manuscript notes from grieving families and challenging young people – a reminder of last year’s excitement in the place.

A young woman, draped in a Kenyan flag, clutched a poster bearing the names of the people killed a year ago by security forces as they tried to end the protests.