PROTESTERS in the Kenya’s capital clashed with a pro-government group today as anti-government unrest entered its fifth week.

The pro-government group took to the streets of Nairobi on motorcycles in the morning, ahead of a planned demonstration by anti-government protesters.

The latter lit bonfires in the suburb of Imara Daima along the highway that leads to Kenya’s main airport, which was to be the site of today’s demonstrations. 

Airport officials asked travellers to arrive early due to extensive security checks and flights continued operating as usual.

Elsewhere, police hurled tear-gas canisters at protesters who had blocked another major road leading to the airport.

Kenya’s anti-government protests started amid calls for legislators to vote against finance legislation that included new taxes. 

President William Ruto declined to sign the widel opposed Bill and has dismissed almost all of his cabinet ministers, but protesters have continued to call for his resignation.

At least 50 people have died and 413 have been injured in the protests since June 18, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

Last week, police banned protests in Nairobi, but the High Court issued an order suspending the ban. Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest and police are given advance notice in order to provide security.

Officers have been accused by activists and civil society groups of inflicting violence on demonstrators.

Former inspector general of police Japhet Koome resigned on July 12 and acting police chief Douglas Kanja reiterated today that the country’s main airport was a “protected area” and “out of bounds to unauthorised persons.”

“Any person who breaks the law will be dealt with swiftly, firmly and decisively by the law,” Mr Kanja warned.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga expressed his support for protesters and demanded compensation for the families of those killed during the protests and the dropping of charges against those arrested.