Violent protests have erupted in Kenya after opposition leader, Raila Odinga, annoucned his withdrawal from the presidential race, earlier this week.
His supporters now fear that according to a new election law passed on 11 October, which states which says if one candidate withdraws, the other automatically wins the presidency, it will now mean an automatic victory for incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta, in the re-election scheduled later this month.
Odinga’s opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition called supporters to the streets, saying protests would take place every day from next week.
In Odinga’s western stronghold of Kisumu, thousands of protesters on Wednesday blocked roads, set tyres alight and engaged in running battles with police.In Nairobi, police briefly used tear gas to disperse protesters who threw stones at passing cars.
Travellers in Kenya are urged to follow local safety and security advice and to avoid any large public gatherings.