One killed in Kenya as police, protesters clash ahead of election
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A supporter of Kenya's opposition runs away after riot police lobbed teargas canisters to disperse them during a protest in the capital, Nairobi, on May 23, 2016. (Photo by Reuters)
At least one person has lost his life as police in Kenya fired tear gas to scatter protesters demanding the dissolution of the country’s electoral commission ahead of next year’s presidential election.
According to Press TV, on Monday, Kenya’s riot police used tear gas and water cannons in the country’s capital of Nairobi to disperse opposition groups and their supporters rallying against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The protesters said the election oversight body should be scrapped as it is biased.
Police also fired tear gas at stone-throwing demonstrators in Mombasa and Kisuma, Kenya's second and third largest cities.
In the western city of Kisumu, local media reported that at least one man was killed after sustaining injuries during clashes between protesters and police.
Police said they had arrested seven people in the port city of Mombasa. About 300 protesters held placards reading "IEBC must go home now."
Reports said businesses in Mombasa and Nairobi stayed closed for fear of looting.
"The demonstrations are illegal and the organizers have been clearly warned. If they insist on rioting, they will meet us there," said Mombasa's Police Chief Lucas Ogara.
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