Breaking: Fire in Part of Kenyan Parliament as Legislators Flee from Protesters

Kenyan Police Respond with Force as Nationwide Protests Erupt

Thousands of Kenyan anti-tax protesters enter parliament and part of the building is on fire as legislators flee

Kenyan police reportedly used live rounds, rubber bullets, and tear gas to suppress nationwide protests on Tuesday as thousands of demonstrators took to the streets, led primarily by youth, to oppose a government bill proposing tax increases. 

Despite the widespread protests and a general strike, Kenya’s Parliament passed a second reading of the controversial finance legislation while police clashed with the crowds.

Riot police and plainclothes officers deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons against the protesters, some of whom retaliated by throwing stones. 

This marks the third round of protests in the country, following the deaths of two individuals last week—one by gunshot and another by a tear gas canister.

Unconfirmed reports from Reuters and The Associated Press suggest that police fired live rounds as protesters approached the parliament building. 

Journalist Chris Samba claimed on X that as many as five people had been shot by police. 

The Kenya Human Rights Commission shared a video of officers shooting at protesters and criticised President William Ruto on X, stating, "The world is watching your descent into tyranny! Your regime’s actions are an assault on democracy. All those involved in the shooting—actively or passively—must be held to account."

The protests, which began last week, have been largely spontaneous and led by young activists angered by the tax hikes, the second such increase sought by Ruto’s government. 

These hikes are expected to raise the prices of essentials like diapers and sanitary towels. 

Zein Basravi, reporting from Nairobi, emphasized the non-political nature of the protests, noting that most participants are teenagers or in their early 20s. 

"They say what they are fighting for is their future…they are here to fight corruption and they want freedom." Basravi reported. 

Once Parliament ratifies the finance bill, President Ruto will have 14 days to sign it into law, as he did with a similar tax hike last year. 

Despite lacking a formal political strategy, protesters have faced heavy resistance from Kenyan forces whenever they approach governmental institutions. 

On Tuesday, armed security forces with armoured vehicles created multiple layers of protection around the parliament building.

Catherine Soi reported that protesters were trying to reach the State House, the president’s residence. Police units secured the presidential building and blocked demonstrators amid calls for Ruto’s resignation.

On Sunday, Ruto had praised the protesters for their peaceful demonstrations and promised government engagement on the issues. 

However, amendments to the bill, which removed some stringent proposals like a bread tax, failed to satisfy the protesters. "Everyone is coming out because we’re tired, people are tired and unemployed and they keep pushing these punitive taxes," 28-year-old protester Hanifa Farsafi lamented.
Source: Aljazeera abcNEWS 
Image: News24