Police in Kenya shot and killed two opposition protesters, who allegedly threw rocks at a police station, while police used tear gas on rallies in the capital ahead of the new presidential election this month.
Three other protesters had gunshot wounds in the deadly confrontation in the Odinga stronghold of Siaya County in western Kenya, Bondo police chief Paul Kiarie said.
A statement by national police spokesman George Kinoti said a crowd of about 2,000 people threw rocks at the police station and robbed shops, leading to the shooting, which is being investigated, reports AP.
The demonstrations defied a new government ban on opposition protests in the central business districts of Kenya's three largest cities, while concerns rose again about election-related violence in East Africa's largest economy.
The State Department urged Kenya's security forces not to use "unnecessary force" and called for demonstrations to be peaceful.
The government on Thursday banned the protests, citing "imminent danger of breach of peace."
Human rights groups protested, with some pointing out that police have killed at least 37 people in demonstrations since the results of the August election were announced.
The Supreme Court annulled that vote, citing irregularities, and called for a new one. It is set for Oct. 26.