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Riot police disperse pro-Kibaki
protesters
Published on January 23, 2008, 12:00 am
By Morton Saulo
Police dispersed pro-government protesters, who had attempted to
march to Uhuru Park.
Donning PNU colours and carrying party posters, the demonstrators
were stopped before they could reach Kenyatta Avenue in the city
centre.
Former Mungiki leader, Mr Ndura Waruinge, led the protesters, who
had reached near The Stanley hotel before riot police lobbed
teargas canisters at them.
They had begun the march from Tom Mboya Street in small groups,
then joined Moi Avenue and Kimathi Street to meet their leaders at
The Stanley.
Police later mounted patrols on all major roads in downtown
Nairobi to keep the protesters at bay.
In the past two weeks, police have engaged ODM supporters in
running battles in major towns.
Police have banned mass action rallies the party had called
countrywide to protest against the disputed presidential election
results.
Last week, police engaged PNU supporters, led by Waruinge, who
were holding a parallel demonstration in support of President
Kibaki.
Police have maintained that all political rallies are illegal.
Police have been criticised for shooting more than 100 protesters
dead.
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