Demonstrators in Kenya want democratic reform

More Violence in Nairobi as Students Clash With Police

The demonstration appeared to be spontaneous. Police responded to rock-throwing students with tear gas and rubber bullets. Fourteen people were arrested and a major thoroughfare in Nairobi was closed for three hours.

A police officer beats a demonstrator in Nairobi

"This was a peaceful protest for reforms, " said one student activist. "Then the police came and started beating us."

The demonstration was low-key compared with the events of last week, when pro-democracy rallies were held all over Kenya. At least nine people were killed and the Kenyan government came under heavy international criticism for allowing the police to use excessive force. At one point, tear gas canisters were fired into Nairobi's All Saints Cathedral and police clubbed demonstrators who had taken refuge inside the church.

A broad-based movement composed of opposition parties and church groups has been urging democratic reform in Kenya for many years. The opposition now wants to make fundamental reforms to the constitution before presidential and party elections, which are due to be held within the next six months, take place.

President Moi, who has led Kenya for the last nineteen years, has suggested that his ruling Kenya African National Union Party could discuss constitutional change. However, the opposition charge that the President is simply trying to buy time.

The economic consequences of the unrest are already showing. Kenya's currency has been devalued and foreign investors are said to be alarmed by the clashes. Aid donor states - notably the United States - are pressuring the government, arguing that the violence has been caused by President Moi's reluctance to create a fair electoral system.