By Hereward Holland NAIROBI (Reuters) -Protesters braving police batons, water cannon and occasional bullets on Kenya's streets this week have taken up a rallying cry that is likely to unnerve its embattled president,

Kenyan President William Ruto made his first public remarks since deadly anti-government protests broke out this week. He said that "anyone going to burn people's property should be shot in the leg."

Police in Kenya clashed with demonstrators on Monday during the latest anti-government protests, killing 10 people, according to the state-funded human rights commission. Authorities blocked major roads leading into the capital,

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has once again accused President William Ruto of orchestrating state violence against Mt Kenya communities.

Boniface Kariuki, a hawker who was fatally shot by police during protests in Nairobi, was remembered in a low-key requiem mass at All Saints Cathedral.

His bold, combative political style made him a valuable asset in defending the administration and consolidating support in the vote-rich region.

A looming court battle, opposition attacks and criticism from top clerics have greeted President William Ruto’s plan to build a church at State House, raising questions about the politicisation of religion and constitutional principles.

President William Ruto, elected in 2022 on a promise to improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans, has responded to demonstrations with brutality and censorship. A spiral of riot and repression is eroding civil liberties and may jeopardise economic reforms.

Kenya's recent protests on July 7 (Saba Saba Day) have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 31 people, with hundreds of injuries, and over 500 arrests recorded. Additionally, businesses are said to have been vandalized as civil unrest defines the current state of Kenyan affairs.