Kenya's Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen accused protesters on Thursday of attempting to overthrow the government during a day of deadly demonstrations, remarks that protest leaders said were an attempt to deflect attention from their demands.

Kenya's Interior minister has denied that the police used excessive force during Wednesday's protests in which at least 10 people were killed, describing them as "terrorism disguised as dissent" and an "unconstitutional attempt" to change the government.

Thousands of people took part in protests against police brutality and government corruption in cities across Kenya on Wednesday. The protests, expressing disenchantment with President William Ruto, were marked by clashes with security forces that left at least eight dead and hundreds injured.