At least three people died during anti-government protests in Kenya

In Kenya, according to local Citizen TV, three people were shot dead during anti-government demonstrations on July 19. Protests continue across the country against government plans to raise taxes.

Two of them were killed in the city of Nakuru, another in Makueni.

Also in Nakuru, seven people were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, city hospital spokesman James Waweru told Reuters. At least two more people were wounded in Migori, and another in Makueni, according to Citizen TV.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and human rights activists, at least 300 people were arrested throughout the country, including nine prominent representatives of the opposition. One of those arrested is a spokesman for opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Schools were closed in the capital Nairobi and two other major cities, Mombasa and Kisumu. Many businesses in Nairobi were also closed and police checkpoints were set up on roads leading to President William Ruto's residence.

Context

• William Ruto won Kenya's presidential election last August. He promised to protect the interests of the poorest people. However, prices of essential goods rose under his rule, after which Ruto announced plans to raise taxes on fuel and housing.

• The opposition, led by Raila Odinga, called for people to take to the streets starting this spring. People are unhappy with the high cost of living and rising inflation.

• during protests Last week, 15 people died .