There is heavy security in Nairobi, amid protests of escalating violence against a controversial bill.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of the Kenyan capital despite the president’s decision not to sign the finance bill.

At least 22 protestors were reportedly killed on Tuesday after angry crowds stormed the country’s national parliament.

And demonstrators still decided to go ahead with a protest march on Thursday.

President William Ruto has vowed to withdraw the tax hikes and says he intends to make budget cuts instead.

Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, meanwhile, has issued a plea for the demonstration to be called off.

One protestor, Boniface Mwangi, urged protestors to march peacefully as a mark of respect for those who have died.

Kenya’s president withdraws financial bill which sparked deadly protests

Protesters in Kenya are tired of double standards, and it will take more than bullets to stand them down

Kenya protesters shot dead and fires started in parliament after controversial tax bill passes

“Invasion of the State House isn’t a solution,” he wrote in a post on X.

But activists warn the stakes are higher than ever as Mr Ruto has committed to quashing unrest “at whatever cost”.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Mr Ruto on Wednesday.

He thanked the president for taking steps to reduce tensions in the country.

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In May, President Ruto became the first African leader in 16 years to pay a state visit to Washington.

On Tuesday, the US declared Kenya its first major non-Nato ally in sub-Saharan Africa.

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