AT LEAST 12 people were left wounded in Naiorbi today after Kenyan police opened fire on protesters demonstrating against the cost-of-living crisis.

Health workers said that they were treating people, confirming that police were using live bullets, with one man shot in the back. 

The opposition-led protest is expected to last three days to call for President William Ruto to repeal a new finance law that imposes higher taxes.

Mr Ruto said that the extra revenue is needed for escalating debt repayments and to fund projects to create jobs, but the rises have made life even harder for the poorest Kenyans.

The legislation has doubled fuel tax to a record 16 per cent and introduced a 1.5 per cent housing levy on employees’ basic pay.

A court order suspended the raises, but the new prices have taken effect.

Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters today, claiming the protests were illegal as no permit had been issued.

Last week’s protests left six people dead and many others injured, including 53 children who went into shock after tear gas was thrown inside their school compound.

Demonstrations were also reported in several other parts of the country including the counties of Kisumu, Migori and Kisii where the opposition has strong support.

Human Rights Watch on Tuesday urged political leaders to stop labelling demonstrators “terrorists” and respect the right to peaceful protest.

The group called out the police for using force and live bullets.

Government data shows that the price of some key food products has risen steeply in the past year, with maize, grain and flour increasing by up to 30 per cent.

Rice and potato costs have gone up nearly 20 per cent and sugar now costs 60 per cent more.

Taxi driver James Wainaina, who voted for Mr Ruto last year, said he feels betrayed and is struggling to make ends meet.

He told the BBC that all his earnings now go into keeping his car on the road and cannot cover his necessities, including his daughter’s school fees.

“It doesn’t seem like things will be better, [the president] lied to us, we are being oppressed, things are becoming difficult.

“When the cost of fuel goes up, the price of everything else goes up, even electricity.”