“We Are Ready For Any Spillover Effects-Fred Enanga Says As Kenyans Protest Over High Cost Of Living

By Uganda Online Media

 Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga has revealed that Ugandan security is on high alert in case of any spillover effects following the breakout of protests in Kenya over the high cost of living.

Enanga revealed that they are closely monitoring the situation in Kenya and are ready to swing into action to quell the protests further noting that they are also keeping an eye on similar protests in South Africa which could also have an effect on happenings in Uganda.

“We are ready for any spillover effects that could arise out of the protests in Kenya. Like any other protest, there is always a potential of violence and for that matter, we have contingency plans to address any security and safety concerns that may arise along our eastern border with Kenya,” Enanga said while addressing the media on Monday.

Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga recently rallied his supporters to come out in large numbers to take part in countrywide protests to demand that President William Ruto’s government lowers the cost of living.

“I want Kenyans to come out in large numbers and show the displeasure of what is happening in our country,” Ruto told supporters over the weekend.

The opposition leader pointed to the rising cost of several basic items including fuel, cooking oil, school fees and electricity.

In response, the government said it would take a first stance over the demonstrations.

Kenyan riot police were out in force Monday for a day of action called by the opposition to protest the country’s cost of living crisis, despite a ban on demonstrations.

In one part of Nairobi’s biggest slum Kibera, demonstrators set tyres alight, while several youths were arrested at one of the venues for the demonstrations in the capital, AFP journalists saw.

Kenyans are suffering from surging prices for basic necessities, as well as a sharp drop in the local shilling against the US dollar and a punishing drought that has left millions hungry.

“Day of showdown,” was the headline in Kenya’s The Standard newspaper on Monday.

Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei said on Sunday that police received requests to hold two demonstrations only late Saturday and early Sunday when normally three days’ notice is required for public rallies.

“For public safety, neither has been granted,” he said.

Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki also issued a statement on Sunday warning that anyone inciting public disorder or disturbing the peace would be prosecuted.

Roads were quieter than normal in Nairobi on Monday and many businesses were shut ahead of the demonstrations, with some employers telling their staff to work from home.

Odinga said he called the demonstrations to protest the “skyrocketing” cost of living and the “stolen” election in August last year.

“Since Mr Ruto was sworn in six months ago, he has continued to run the country with a lot of contempt,” he said, highlighting the high cost of basics such as fuel, cooking oil, school fees and electricity.