The Albany Gazette - Kenya opposition says protests to resume

"We will resume the demos May 2," said Dennis Onyango the spokesman for opposition leader Raila Odinga, who organised last month's demonstrations. "Protests to be confined to Nairobi," Onyango added.

Onyango did not say why the opposition had called for the protests to resume. But the opposition had warned this would happen if insufficient progress was made in the talks.

Odinga had been leading regular protests against the government over claims the presidential vote in August had been rigged but also over what he said was the government's failure to tackle the soaring cost of living.

Three people died and businesses and property were torched and vandalised in three days of chaotic anti-government street demonstrations. Two civilians were killed by suspected police fire in Kisumu, while a police officer died from injuries sustained in clashes in the city, said the authorities.

Earlier this month, Odinga announced a halt to the rallies after President William Ruto called for talks to discuss their problems.

The president suggested they create a bipartisan parliamentary committee to work through concerns over the electoral process.

Odinga welcomed Ruto's "olive branch". But he also warned: "We reserve our right to call for demonstrations should this process not bear fruit."

The veteran opposition leader, who has lost five presidential elections, had said last week that he would unveil a fresh plan of action for future demonstrations after the end of the Muslim holy month Ramadan.

- High prices, weak currency -

Many Kenyans have been struggling to make ends meet in the face of high prices for basic goods and a plunging local currency. A record drought has left millions hungry.

Kenya is viewed as a democratic anchor in East Africa and last month's protests drew international calls for restraint.

The international community and religious leaders voiced fears of a repeat of the 2007/08 post-election ethnic fighting that claimed the lives of more than 1,100 people.

Kenya's Supreme Court unanimously upheld the results of August's elections that declared Ruto president but Odinga insists the poll was stolen.

According to official figures, Odinga lost to Ruto by about 233,000 votes, one of the narrowest margins in Kenyan history.

During the campaign for the August election, Ruto portrayed himself as champion of the downtrodden and vowed to improve the lot of ordinary Kenyans.

(B.Hartmann--BBZ)