THOUSANDS of anti-government protesters marched on the streets of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, today, despite the government’s declaration that the protests were illegal.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga joined protesters on the western side of the capital, where his convoy attracted thousands of supporters and he addressed them at various stops calling for electoral justice and reduced prices for food items.

Police used a water cannon and tear gas to disperse supporters. 

Mr Odinga and his party, Azimio la Umoja — One Kenya Coalition, are leading the protests against the rising cost of living and calling for President William Ruto’s resignation.

More than a dozen civil society groups have signed a joint statement expressing concern over police declaring Monday’s protests illegal and urged authorities to uphold the right to peaceful protest.

Over the weekend, Mr Ruto urged Mr Odinga to “stop terrorising the country.”

There was a heavy police presence within the capital and surrounding neighbourhoods on Monday. Police have dispersed crowds that gathered in Kibera and Mathare, poor areas of Nairobi.

A resident of Kibera, Emily Atieno, told reporters she would continue to protest until the “price of cooking flour is reduced.” 

Another protester Mario Omari said protests would continue until Mr Ruto resigns from office.