Religious, rights groups call for calm in Kenya's second week of protests

Riot police officers detain a supporter of Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga of the Azimio La Umoja (Declaration of Unity) One Kenya Alliance, as they participate in a nationwide protest over cost of living and President William Ruto's government in Mathare settlement in Nairobi, Kenya March 27, 2023. REUTERS/John Muchucha

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Religious leaders and human rights groups in Kenya called for calm on Tuesday as a second week of protests against cost of living increases raised fears of further violence, while President William Ruto said criminals would be held to account.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who lost to Ruto in last August's election, is leading the protests against the high cost of basic staples and has called for rallies every Monday and Thursday to pressure Ruto's government to take action.