Tear gas has been used to break up anti-government protests in Kenya following violent clashes over now abandoned tax rises.

Footage showed riot police on the streets of the capital, Nairobi, with clouds of tear gas billowing along a main road.

Kenyan television stations have also been showing peaceful protests, with people marching with palm fronds in Mombasa and Kisumu.

The protesters have rejected appeals from President William Ruto for talks, even after he abandoned proposed tax rises.

Dozens have been killed in clashes since 18 June – most of them shot by officers last week when protesters attempted to storm parliament to block politicians from voting on the increases.

Sky News’ Africa correspondent, Yousra Elbagir, is at the scene and witnessed the police’s efforts to disperse protesters.

“We’ve seen the police fired tear gas directly at them. We’ve seen them arrest groups of young men, take them into trucks.

‘Kenya has changed forever’ – inside first funeral after deadly protests

Kenyans see fellow protesters killed in front of them but they choose to keep fighting

Kenya: Police fire tear gas during clashes with protesters in Nairobi over controversial finance bill

“We’ve also seen them beat people. But what they told us is that they’ll keep coming back. They’ll keep protesting.”

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

A member of Kenya’s opposition party told Sky News that they were abducted at 1am overnight but that they refuse to be cowed.

Mr Ruto last week withdrew the controversial finance bill, including new taxes, and said he intends to make budget cuts instead.

Protesters said the bill would have put yet more pressure on ordinary citizens and businesses trying to grapple with the high cost of living.

The government claimed it wanted to raise funds to pay off debt.

Related posts:

India had nearly half of worldwide coronavirus cases last week Missing tennis player Peng Shuai will make public appearance ‘soon’, says China state media As Russia’s forces advance, what is happening across Ukraine and where is under attack? One dead as Russia insists Crimea air base explosions caused by ammo detonating, not attack Multiple fatalities in shooting at Walmart store Mafia boss breaks out of prison using bed sheets US says Wagner coup attempt shows ‘cracks in Russia’s facade’ as Putin and Prigozhin remain silent France threatens ‘little jokers’ with prison after fake bomb threats close airports Man accused of pretending to be mannequin to steal jewellery from shop Five ways Israel could tackle the Hamas tunnels Fears magma could flow towards homes after volcanic eruption Greece becomes first Orthodox Christian country to legalise same-sex marriage