Kenyan riot police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered in Nairobi on Monday for a day of action called by the opposition to protest the country's crippling cost of living crisis.
The government of President William Ruto has vowed to take a tough stance on the protests, which opposition leader Raila Odinga has said will take place despite the lack of police authorization.
Demonstrators also threw rocks at anti-riot police outside government offices in the capital, and about two dozen people were arrested, including two opposition MPs, according to witnesses.
"We will be here until they run out of tear gas," said one protester, Markings Nyamweya, 27.
Demonstrators also set fire to tyres in Kibera, Nairobi's largest slum, according to AFP journalists.
"I want Kenyans to come out in large numbers and show the displeasure of what is happening in our country," Odinga, who narrowly lost the election to Ruto last year, told supporters on Sunday.
Kenyans are facing rising food prices, a sharp drop in the local shilling against the US dollar, and a record drought that has left millions hungry.
"We came here peacefully but they tear-gassed us," said 21-year-old Charles Oduor.
"They lie to us every day. Where is the cheap maize flour they promised? Where are the jobs for the youth they promised? All they do is hire their friends."
Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei said on Sunday that police received requests to hold two demonstrations only late Saturday and early Sunday, even though public rallies normally require three days' notice.
"For public safety, neither has been granted," he said.
Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki warned on Sunday that anyone inciting public disorder or disturbing the peace would be prosecuted.
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