Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga said protests against President William Ruto's government over the high cost of living would go ahead on Monday as scheduled despite a police ban.

In a Twitter post, Odinga also called for protests on Thursday. Nairobi's central business district had a heavy police presence ahead of Monday's planned gatherings. 

Last week, protests in the capital Nairobi and other cities turned violent and one person was killed.

Police arrested more than 200 people, including lawmakers belonging to Odinga's faction in both houses of the parliament.

Kenya's police chief on Sunday announced a ban on the fresh protests called by Odinga, saying such acts remained illegal.

"We have been restraining ourselves. We cannot do that any more. We are ready as the police force to maintain peace," Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome told reporters at a media briefing.