Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 8, 1990 TAG: 9007080018
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NAIROBI, KENYA LENGTH: Short
The disturbances quickly spread throughout the city, and police pursued demonstrators into Nairobi's commercial center.
The violence came after months of agitation for multiparty democracy in Kenya, which has been a one-party state by law since 1982.
It was not immediately known if there were any casualties. Witnesses said they saw security forces beat people.
The violence broke out after about 500 protesters gathered for a rally to demand democracy.
Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, leading opponents of the government who were detained last week, had called for the rally.
Authorities had denied permission for the rally, and President Daniel arap Moi said force would be used to break it up.
Kenya has been at peace since independence from Britain in 1963. It often is cited as an example of stability and prosperity on a continent known more for guerrilla warfare and corrupt dictatorship.
Since the beginning of the year, however, a loose coalition emboldened by the changes in Eastern Europe has repeatedly accused the ruling Kenya African National Union party of intolerance, corruption and election-rigging.
The government has detained at least 11 opponents since Wednesday, according to families and other sources close to the opposition.
by CNB