Police fire teargas at protest in Nairobi on security

NAIROBI, KENYA: A protest by civil society groups to push action from government over rising insecurity turned violent when police used teargas canisters to disperse the crowd.

Police lobed several tear gas canisters at the group that had camped outside the Office of the President, Harambee House in Nairobi to demand action on the rising cases of insecurity.

The group operating under 'Occupy Harambee Avenue' had camped outside the house since 10 am until 4.30 pm when anti-riot police arrived and dispersed them. At least four of the protesters were arrested by the officers.

The group had arrived with dozens of crosses painted red before four coffins were delivered there as they demanded action on Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku, police boss David Kimaiyo and CID boss Francis Muhoro.

"If the president cannot sack them he should know the buck stops at him. He can as well leave office," shouted Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale.

Khalwale spent almost five hours on the road singing with the protesters as he shouted "demanding action".

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The President, Deputy President, interior minister and Inspector General of police's offices are located on Harambee Avenue.

The group lit a bonfire outside the Harambee House as they carried the four coffins before they were dispersed.

Earlier on, there were chaos when hired goons tried to disrupt the sitting, saying they had confidence in the security chiefs.

Their arrival prompted a confrontation for long as police watched from a distance. The about 20 intruders later gave up and left.