Kenya's Parliament Under Siege, Protesters Storm Building After Tax Bill Passes

On Tuesday, a part of Kenya’s parliament building went up in flames as thousands of people protesting against a new finance bill stormed the building. The protesters had demanded that lawmakers reject the bill that proposed new taxes in a country already struggling with a high cost of living. Legislators quickly evacuated through a tunnel, while opposition members who voted against the bill were allowed to leave safely. The chaos escalated when police opened fire, leaving at least three bodies outside the parliament complex. Protesters also set fire to the office of Nairobi's governor, located near parliament, and clashes continued with police using water cannons to extinguish the blaze. Despite the violence, protesters persisted, shouting, "We’re coming for every politician." Some demonstrators were injured and sought treatment at a medical tent set up at a nearby church, but even there, they were not safe from police who fired live ammunition and threw tear gas canisters.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission shared a video of police shooting at protesters, vowing to hold officers accountable. Previous protests last week had already seen two deaths. The Kenya Law Society President, Faith Odhiambo, reported that 50 Kenyans, including her personal assistant, had been abducted by suspected police. The missing individuals included vocal demonstrators who were taken from their homes, workplaces, and public spaces before Tuesday’s demonstrations. Civil society groups raised concerns about these disappearances. As the situation unfolded, Kenya’s President William Ruto was absent, attending an African Union retreat outside the capital. Before the protests, he had expressed pride in the youth demonstrating and promised to engage with them on their issues.

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