Kenya's police chief announced on Sunday a ban on fresh opposition demonstrations scheduled for Monday, March 27, 2023, after protests last week degenerated into riots.
"We will not allow violent demonstrations," Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome told reporters on Sunday.
"The demonstrations they plan tomorrow (Monday) are illegal and will not be allowed," he said, adding that his force was ready to keep the peace and would arrest anyone carrying offensive weapons.
But veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, who has called for protests against President William Ruto over the high cost of living on Monday and Thursday, has remained defiant.
"I am asking our supporters and all Kenyans to come out and join the peaceful demonstrations," he said at a church service on Sunday.
"I want to tell Mr Ruto and the IG Koome that we are not going to be intimidated," he stated.
"We are not going to fear tear gas and police."
Last Monday's protests, which were also unauthorised by police, devolved into violence, with riot police firing tear gas and water cannon at protesters hurling rocks and torching tyres.
According to authorities, a university student was killed by police fire, and 31 officers were injured in running clashes in Nairobi and opposition strongholds in western Kenya.
Over 200 individuals were arrested, including some leading opposition lawmakers and Odinga's convoy was attacked with tear gas and water cannons.
"You all saw what happened last week and we won't allow that to happen again, where hooligans come to town to loot and destroy people's property and businesses," Koome said.
It was the first significant political clash since Ruto assumed power six months ago after defeating Odinga in an election that his opponent alleges was "stolen".
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