By Riches Soberekon
Kenyan businesses and schools reopened on Thursday, as the country attempted to return to normal following days of anti-government protests and deadly clashes.
The Interior and Education ministries said that adequate security would be put in place to guarantee the safety of learners and workers.
Nairobi’s business district, which was largely shuttered on Wednesday, also resumed activity, with stores reopening and office-goers heading to work.
The government had ordered schools closed in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu due to the street protests over the high cost of living.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has announced that protests will proceed on Thursday as planned.
This is the third time this month that Odinga has staged mass rallies against a government he says is illegitimate and to blame for a cost-of-living crisis.
The government, in turn, has accused the opposition of derailing efforts to improve the economy.
President William Ruto on Wednesday urged police to take firm action against “criminals, gangs, and anarchists and all the people who want to cause mayhem.”
Odinga called off earlier anti-government demonstrations after Ruto agreed to dialogue, but the talks broke down.
The situation remains tense in Kenya, as the government and opposition continue to trade barbs.
It remains to be seen whether the protests will proceed peacefully or lead to further violence
