Ruto says more opposition rallies 'will not take place'

Nairobi. Kenyan President William Ruto on Friday said that further opposition protests against his government would not be permitted, warning his rival against taking his grievances to the street next week.

Nine people died in violent clashes on Wednesday in parts of the East African nation as demonstrators called to protest by opposition leader Raila Odinga marched in defiance of a government ban.

More than 300 people were arrested in the aftermath of this week's rallies but Odinga's Azimio alliance has vowed to stage three consecutive days of demonstrations starting Wednesday.

Odinga, who says last year's presidential election was "stolen", initiated a string of rallies this year against a government he says is illegitimate and responsible for a cost-of-living crisis.

Police have been accused of a heavy-handed response and criticised for using tear gas against civilians, but the government said it could not allow rioting and looting to take place unchecked.

Ruto said he "cannot accept anarchy" in Kenya and would not allow another week of rallies.

"Protests will no longer take place in our nation of Kenya. The one they have planned for Wednesday will not be possible," Ruto told supporters in Nakuru county.

"I want to tell Raila Odinga that elections ended on August 8 last year. You can't seek the leadership of our country through bloodshed, deaths, and destruction of property. There is no way you will change Kenya through the route you have taken."

Ruto said he would "meet face to face" with Odinga.

Six people died in a similar day of protest last week.

Following the latest unrest, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, an independent watchdog created by parliament, called for an investigation into reports of looting, vandalism and police brutality, warning the country teetered "on the brink of anarchy".

Each day of protest costs the economy an average of three billion shillings ($21.8 million), according to the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, at a time of soaring inflation.

Kenya is seen as a democratic anchor in East Africa and the protests have attracted international concern.

The United Nations on Friday voiced concern over the deadly violence surrounding the demonstrations.

"The UN Human Rights Office is very concerned by the widespread violence, and allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force, including the use of firearms, by police during protests in Kenya," spokesman Jeremy Laurence said in a statement.