NAIROBI, Kenya 

Kenyan police fired tear gas shells to disperse protesters demanding President William Ruto's resignation, halting their planned march to the State House, where a new 19-member Cabinet was sworn in on Thursday. 

Demonstrations were also reported in Kenya's other major cities, with police claiming one of their officers was injured in clashes with protesters, but they arrested over 170 people, including 120 in the capital city.

Pockets of protesters flooded Nairobi's central business district, chanting "Ruto must go" and demanding the president's resignation.

The demonstrations brought traffic to a standstill and forced businesses to close, creating a day of significant disruption in the heart of the city.

Law enforcement officials strategically blocked major highways leading to the capital city's central business district, effectively halting the planned convergence of demonstrators.

There were also injuries in the pitched battles between police and protesters, said Hussein Khalid, a human rights activist and lawyer who condemned police use of force.

"Live bullets were fired at unarmed individuals, even those not gathered in groups. The right to protest must be protected, not punished as stated in the Kenyan constitution," Executive Director of Vocal Africa Khalid said in a statement.

The decision to close major highways leading into the city center effectively prevented large gatherings, limiting demonstrations to scattered pockets throughout the capital, which police dealt with by firing tear gas canisters.

Dozens of protesters were arrested as police swiftly dispersed crowds attempting to converge on key areas.

Despite the heightened tensions, little to no protests were reported in major opposition strongholds such as most of western Kenya, Kisumu, and Mombasa.

Gilbert Masengeli, Kenya's acting Inspector General of Police, said in a statement on Thursday that "the rest of the country remained peaceful and normalcy prevailed except in Nairobi, where one officer was injured. We also arrested 174 suspects, including 126 in Nairobi, 22 in Kitengela, and 26 in Rift Valley, Emali, and Makueni counties.”

The protests in Nairobi took place as Kenyan President William Ruto swore in his second Cabinet, appointing 19 new secretaries or ministers during a ceremony at State House.

The new Cabinet includes notable appointments such as Kithure Kindiki as interior minister, Soipan Tuya as defense minister, and John Mbadi as treasury secretary.

On June 25, a large group of Kenyans stormed the parliament in Nairobi, protesting the government's policies and economic hardships. The unrest resulted in chaotic scenes and significant disruption.

In response to the public outcry and the escalating crisis, President Ruto took decisive action, dismissing almost his entire Cabinet except Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi and promising to address the grievances and restore order.

Despite the concessions, Kenyans continue to demand his resignation.

Ruto's administration is under intense scrutiny following weeks of violent demonstrations that claimed at least 50 lives and caused widespread property damage.

The Kenyan government has also put the US-based Ford Foundation on notice, accusing it of funding the recent deadly anti-government protests.