Kenya's president describes demonstrations against the government as "treason" and pledges a "strong and effective" response

Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday warned those he described as instigators of violence and chaos in his country of a "strong and effective" response. Ruto said in press statements: “We will respond fully, effectively and quickly to the treasonous events that occurred today (Tuesday).”

He added: "It is neither appropriate nor even logical for criminals who pretend to be peaceful to be able to carry out terrorism against people, their elected representatives, and institutions established under our Constitution, and expect impunity."

He continued: "I hereby warn the planners, financiers, coordinators and instigators of violence and chaos."

On Tuesday, local media announced that a number of demonstrators were killed and others injured in Nairobi by police, after they stormed Parliament and the governor’s office and set them on fire, in protest against the government’s proposals to increase taxes.