At least four people were killed and more than 30 injured during nationwide protests in Kenya over steep fuel price increases.

Police arrested at least 348 people as demonstrations and a public transport strike disrupted major cities, including Nairobi and Mombasa.

Protesters blocked roads and clashed with police, who responded with tear gas, bringing parts of the capital to a standstill.

The government defended the fuel hikes, citing global oil market instability linked to the conflict involving Iran and disruptions to fuel imports, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Critics and rights groups condemned the use of lethal force, while political leaders exchanged blame over rising living costs and the unrest.