Riot police clash with market traders in attempted closure

(22 Mar 2020) Riot police in Kenya fired tear gas and beat protestors with sticks on Sunday after traders resisted police attempts to close a crowded market in Kisumu in a measure to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. It happened after Kisumu County Governor Anyang' Nyong'o ordered traders to shut down their stalls. Traders shouted "Nyong'o must go" and "(The) market must (stay) open," as police patrolled and ensured the market remained closed. "Some of the traders here are willing to take their chances with the coronavirus and die because we don't have any other choice. But why should we be beaten and attacked with tear gas?" asked Mohamed Hassan, one of the traders at Kibuye Market. Globally, the coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 307,200 people and killed more than 13,000. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness, especially in older adults and people with existing health problems. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...