Clashes between Kenyan police and protesters demonstrating against the rising cost of living have resulted in at least five injuries. The protests, organized by the opposition, are part of a three-day nationwide effort to pressure President William Ruto to revoke a recently implemented finance law that introduces new taxes.

Despite President Ruto's earlier warnings against demonstrations and his stated intention to confront opposition leader Raila Odinga directly, protests erupted in multiple locations across the country. Four injuries were reported in Nairobi's Mathare area, and another individual was injured in the Kibera slums. Businesses in the capital remained closed as police employed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.

Demonstrations also occurred in several other regions, including Kisumu, Migori, and Kisii, areas with significant opposition support. Although peaceful protests are constitutionally protected in Kenya, previous demonstrations have sometimes turned violent, leading to fatalities. Police had declared the Wednesday protests illegal, citing a lack of permits.

Schools in Nairobi and Mombasa were closed due to the unrest. The education minister ordered the closures as a safety precaution.

Last week's protests resulted in over six deaths and numerous injuries, including 53 children who suffered from tear gas exposure after it was deployed within their school grounds. Various parties, including religious leaders, are advocating for dialogue between the government and the opposition to resolve the situation.

Catholic bishops, led by Anthony Muheria, released a statement urging an end to the violence and calling on President Ruto to repeal the contentious Finance Act, which has sparked widespread public anger. The new law has driven fuel prices to record highs through a doubling of the value-added tax on petroleum products to 16%, despite a court order suspending the implementation of these new taxes.

While domestic voices urge reconsideration of the finance law, the International Monetary Fund recently endorsed its approval as a vital step toward addressing Kenya's debt vulnerabilities. A group of Western envoys from 13 countries also issued a joint statement expressing concerns over the violence and advocating for dialogue.

Human Rights Watch has called on political leaders to refrain from labeling protesters as "terrorists" and to respect the right to peaceful assembly. The organization also criticized the police for using excessive force, including live ammunition, against demonstrators.