At least four people have been injured in clashes with riot police during demonstrations against the rising cost of living in Kenya.
Businesses in Nairobi remained closed as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters responding to calls for three days of demonstrations.
Protests were reported in the capital as well as western counties of Kisumu, Migori and Kisii where the opposition enjoys huge support. Schools were closed Nairobi and the country’s second-largest city, Mombasa, on the orders of the education minister.
An officer who wished to remain anonymous said four protesters were injured in the Mathare area of Nairobi on Wednesday.
At issue is the Finance Act, a newly-passed law that doubled VAT on petroleum products to 16%, raising the price of fuel to a new high.
The new prices have taken effect despite a court order suspending the implementation of the controversial new taxes.
At least 15 people were killed and hundreds arrested as two rounds of protests earlier this month descended into violence when police fired tear gas, and in some cases live rounds, at the crowds.
Last week’s protests left more than six people dead and many others injured, including 53 children who went into shock after tear gas was thrown inside their school compound.
Before the protests began, President William Ruto promised none would take place and vowed he would tackle opposition leader Raila Odinga “head-on”.
Police said the protests on Wednesday were illegal as no permit had been issued.
Religious leaders have been calling for dialogue between the government and the opposition and on Wednesday, Catholic bishops issued a statement urging that “no further blood should be shed” and calling on the president to repeal the act.
Mr Ruto was elected last August pledging to champion the interests of the poor, but the price of basic commodities has ballooned under his administration.
Ministers say taxes on fuel and housing, which are expected to raise an extra 200 billion shillings (£11m) a year, will help to repay debts and provide new jobs.
Last month, the housing levy was cut from 3% to 1.5% amid widespread public outcry.
Human Rights Watch has urged political leaders to stop labelling protesters as “terrorists”, respect the right to peaceful protests, as guaranteed by the Kenyan constitution, and demanded police stop using force and live bullets to confront protesters.