Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga cites a "bad flu" as the reason for his absence from the three-day street protests, which he had initiated to protest against the rising cost of living and tax hikes.

"It is not a must that opposition leaders have to be seen on the streets," Mr Odinga told a Kenyan TV station about the protests that are due to end today.

The veteran politician, who lost disputed presidential elections last year, said "game-changing" demonstrations belonged to the people and were not his alone.

He denied suggestions his absence was a ploy to do a deal with President William Ruto, adding he was not seeking to be a part of the government.

"We have not, and we will not seek a ‘handshake arrangement’,” the opposition leader said referring to the name for the deal he made with the previous President, Uhuru Kenyatta.President Ruto remains firm in his stance, asserting that he will not enter into any negotiations with Mr. Odinga to address the current deadlock.

Last Thursday, he commended the police's response to the protests after the police chief expressed concerns about the demonstrations posing a threat to national security.

Riot officers were deployed across the country in response.

However, the security forces' handling of the protesters has drawn criticism, resulting in multiple fatalities.

This week's anti-government protests have seen significantly lower participation compared to previous demonstrations.

On Wednesday and Thursday, many individuals chose to stay at home, apprehensive of potential violence.

Nonetheless, as Friday dawns, there are signs of a return to normalcy, with schools and businesses reopening.

Major bus stations in the capital, Nairobi, and other cities are slowly resuming operations.

The opposition's three designated meeting points for Friday’s protests, including one in Nairobi's central business district, seem deserted with little or no activity.