Odinga-stronghold in Kenya suspends protests

The governor of Kisumu in western Kenya, the stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga, has suspended opposition protests in the county.

Governor Anyang Nyong’o said protesters would instead go to the capital, Nairobi, to join the demonstrations that have been called for twice a week – on Mondays and Thursdays – by Mr Odinga.

They are to protest against the high cost of living and what Mr Odinga calls electoral justice after last year’s election.

Mr Nyong’o said he had taken the decision after consultations with his party.

It is unclear how he intends to enforce the suspension, especially with more fanatical supporters.

Kisumu city has witnessed some of the most violence since the protests began two weeks ago. At least three people have been killed nationwide, two of them in Kisumu.

Running battles between the police and protesters have been taking place in the capital and its suburbs, with many businesses shutting their operations in the city.

On Monday, crowds also set fire to parts of a farm owned by the family of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and a gas factory linked to Mr Odinga was also vandalised.

The opposition has indicated Thursday’s protests will go on.