Historically, Kenya has rarely invoked anti-terrorism laws to suppress civil protests. Law enforcement has typically relied on the Public Order Act, allowing police to erect roadblocks or seal off sensitive areas during demonstrations.

Kenya’s President William Ruto has condemned recent anti-government protests that left dozens dead. Speaking Wednesday in Nairobi, he urged police to use force against those destroying property during demonstrations,

Simmering anger against President William Ruto’s government has boiled over into clashes between protesters and the police, who have deployed live rounds, tear gas and water cannons.