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.

At least 16 people are dead and hundreds injured after anti-government protests in Kenya turned violent. The demonstrations initially marked the anniversary of anti-government protests last year, and were amplified by public anger over the death of a blogger in police custody.

Sixteen people have been killed and about 400 injured after thousands of people took to the streets in Kenya on Wednesday to protest against the government, Amnesty International Kenya has said.