Activists in Kenya burn tires and block roads to protest taxes. Police detain more than 20 people

By EVELYNE MUSAMBI
Associated Press

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Anti-government demonstrators in Kenya have lit bonfires and barricaded major roads in the capital as part of nationwide protests against the government’s plans to increase taxes. More than 20 protesters have been arrested in the capital. Hundreds of protesters turned up in Nairobi, as well as in the coastal city of Mombasa and the lakeside city of Kisumu, where the opposition enjoys huge support. Some businesses closed their doors. Police dispersed the protesters with tear gas canisters. The opposition called for the Friday demonstrations to protest the newly imposed taxes on petroleum products, salaried workers and businesses. Opposition leader Raila Odinga has called on his followers not to pay the new taxes.