Police Fire Tear Gas As Fresh Protests Erupt In Kenya Despite Ban

Police fired tear gas to disperse anti-government protests on Monday over the high cost of living after the opposition vowed demonstrations would go ahead despite a police ban.

Riot police were stationed at key sites throughout Nairobi and patrolled the streets, while many shops were closed and train services from the capital's outskirts into the central business district were suspended.

Raila Odinga, the veteran opposition leader, has urged people to take to the streets every Monday and Thursday, even though protests a week ago turned violent and paralyzed portions of Nairobi.

Police battled with stone-throwing demonstrators in Kibera, Nairobi's largest slum, where protesters set fire to tyres, despite a warning from Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, who declared Sunday that the protests were "illegal" and would be outlawed.

The atmosphere was calmer elsewhere in the city, with a substantial police presence in areas where protests have occurred the previous week. 

A university student was killed by police fire during last Monday's violence in Nairobi and opposition strongholds in western Kenya, while 31 officers were injured as running fights erupted between riot police and demonstrators. 

More than 200 individuals were arrested, including some key opposition lawmakers, as tear gas and water cannons were used against protesters and Odinga's motorcade.