CORRECTS - Kenya police fire tear gas to quell protest against rising cost-of-living

CORRECTS TITLE OF PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO IN PARA 8

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Police in Kenya on Monday fired tear gas and clashed with opposition protesters in the second week of demonstrations against the high cost-of-living in the country.

Across the capital Nairobi, running battles broke out with demonstrators as tires were lit and roads barricaded.

“We are tired of struggling to make ends meet while our leaders live in luxury. We demand action to lower the cost of living in Kenya; the government cannot silence us with threats and violence. We have a right to peaceful protest and we will not stop until our voices are heard," Kevin Onyango, a protester said.

Many Kenyans are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living continues to rise, with basic commodities becoming increasingly expensive.

“We demand action to lower the cost of living in Kenya, We will not move until our voices are heard and action is taken to lower the cost of living. We urge the government to listen to us,” Janet Odongo, a mother of two said.

Journalists from local and international media were also targeted, with a knife-wielding gang attacking and robbing them of their equipment as they covered Monday's protests in the Kibera area.

Despite warnings from the government that the protests were illegal, there was a sizeable turnout across the country, with opposition leader Raila Odinga daring the police to arrest him.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government will push for new laws to restrict demonstrations. The move has been criticized by opposition figures, with former Justice Minister Martha Karua warning President William Ruto against violating the constitution.

The government has been accused of using excessive force against demonstrators, while human rights groups have called for an investigation into the attacks on journalists.

One person was killed last Monday following countrywide protests that brought Nairobi to a standstill.

The protests descended into violence with police using tear gas and water cannons to bring the situation under control.

Odinga has said that the protests will be held every week, twice a week, on Monday and on Thursday until their grievances are addressed.