Kenyan police break up protests by anti-graft activists

Kenyan police on Monday used teargas canisters to disperse anti-corruption activists in Nairobi who were protesting against the high level of corruption in the government.

The protest dubbed "Take Back Kenya" also saw anti-riot police arrest three activists in Nairobi as President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation in celebrations to mark the 53rd Independence Day.

The protest was meant to condemn rampant corruption in the country and called on Kenyans to be firm when police arrived and dispersed it. The organizers of the march said they had notified the police on December 6 about their protest.

Nairobi County Police commander Japheth Koome said there is freedom of movement and expression enshrined in the constitution, however he said the group had not been permitted to protest.

A group had gathered in the central business district when anti-riot police arrived and lobbed teargas canisters at them before arresting three of the protesters.

The protesters dispersed and rushed to a different place within the city where they said they will proceed with another march through the city.

"Take Back Kenya" is a movement geared toward standing up against the daily plundering of public funds by government officials through corruption.

Kenyatta said he has admitted that corruption is rampant but said he has played his role in fighting corruption and cautioned politicians against using the issue for political gain.

The president said he has even sacked six members of his Cabinet on the basis of corruption claims made by the anti-graft agency. Endit