Six people were killed today in various cities Kenyain the anti-government demonstrations that were banned by the authorities, but took place nonetheless, in protest of the new taxes imposed by the Nairobi.

“We have three dead in Mlolongo,” near the capital, “where a group of protesters blocked the road and we also have two more (dead) in Kitengela and one in Emali,” towns 30 and 120 kilometers from Nairobi, a police officer said. source who asked not to be named. Another source confirmed the death toll.

Some were killed “when they clashed with police officers who were deployed to quell the riots,” the first source said, adding that members of the order’s forces had also been injured.

Today’s demonstrations were marred by clashes between protesters and police, with the former throwing stones and the latter responding with tear gas. Tear gas was fired into Nairobi’s Mathare slum and the coastal city Mombasain southern Kenya.

Opposition leader Raila Odiga, who has run unsuccessfully for the presidency several times, earlier accused the police of “shooting, injuring and killing protesters” mainly in Nairobi. “The gatherings were going on peacefully until the police decided to break them up with bullets and tear gas,” he said at a press conference he gave.

Last Friday at least six people were killed in protests against the president’s government William Ruto. Non-governmental organizations spoke of violent repression by the police.

On Tuesday, the head of the national police banned today’s rallies organized by the opposition on the grounds that the authorities had not been informed in advance. He even called on citizens not to participate in these “illegal demonstrations”.

His “Azimio” coalition Raila Odingawho claims Ruto “stole” his victory in the 2022 presidential election, plans to stage weekly demonstrations to protest government policy.

In early July, Ruto approved a bill imposing new taxes, despite criticism from the opposition and a backlash from citizens hit by high inflation. The law foresees the increase of VAT on fuel from 8 to 16%. Also, payroll deductions will be made to fund an affordable housing program. Initially it was predicted that the withholding would amount to 3% but it was eventually reduced to 1.5% of the salary.