Fire erupts at Kenyan parliament throughout lethal riots over tax hikes
- Paramedics have reported that the gunfire has left at least 50 people injured
Kenya’s capital city has been plunged into chaos amid riots over tax hikes, with a blaze erupting at the country’s parliament and cops opening fire with live ammunition on crowds of angry protesters.
Thousands of anti-tax demonstrators broke through barriers erected by the police outside the parliament building in Nairobi, forcing legislators to urgently evacuate.
Ten people have been killed in the violent clashes, with police firing live rounds at the anti-government protesters. Paramedics have reported that the gunfire has left at least 50 people injured.
Video shows smoke rising from parts of the government building as crowds swarmed through its gates, with projectiles also seen being thrown.
Demonstrators streamed into the complex where lawmakers were debating contentious tax hike proposals that have sparked widespread anger.
A protester lobs back a teargas canister at police during a strike to protest against tax hikes in Kenya
Flames rise from a parliament building on the day of a demonstration against Kenya’s proposed finance bill in Nairobi, Kenya, June 25
A masked demonstrator holds an empty ammunition shell used by police during a protest against proposed tax hikes
Protesters are perched on a police water cannon as it attempts to repel them with chemically treated water jets next to an advertisement featuring a photo of Kenya’s President, William Ruto
Protesters run to take cover outside the Kenyan Parliament after storming the building during a nationwide strike
A torched military vehicle burns outside of the Parliament during a protest against tax hikes in Nairobi
Protesters were pictured storming the senate after making their way into the parliament building
Medics set up emergency response temporary shelters in different cities with supplies donated by Kenyans. Two people died in far smaller-scale protests last week.
The latest round of protests today took place as lawmakers vote on the finance bill that would introduce new taxes, including an eco-levy that would raise the price of goods like sanitary towels and diapers.
A proposal to tax bread was removed after public outcry but demonstrators are still calling on Parliament not to pass the bill.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission on Tuesday shared a video of officers shooting at protesters and said they would be held to account.
The commission wrote on X addressing President William Ruto: ‘The world is watching your descent into tyranny!
‘Your regime’s actions is an assault on democracy. All those involved in the shooting – actively or passively – must be held to account.’
The Kenya Law Society President Faith Odhiambo on Tuesday said 50 Kenyans, including her personal assistant, had been ‘abducted’ by people believed to be police officers. She said there were instances of extrajudicial killings, police abductions, torture and people kept incommunicado for several days.
Some of those missing included those who were vocal in the ongoing demonstrations and were taken away from their homes, workplaces and public spaces in the run-up to the Tuesday protests, according to civil society groups.
Police officials did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
Kenyan riot police operate near the country’s parliament during a protest against proposed tax hikes
Protesters run inside the Kenyan Parliament compound during deadly clashes with police
Demonstrators react as police use a water cannon during a protest against proposed tax hikes
Kenya Police officers and security personnel take position to protect the Kenyan Parliament
A demonstrator uses a broom to repel a tear gas cannister
Thousands have attended today’s demonstration in Nairobi
Thousands of protesters made it through police barricades and into the parliament compound
Police prepare to fire tear gas at demonstrators during a protest against proposed tax hikes
Angry protesters slammed the country’s President William Ruto
Parliament Speaker Moses Wetangula on Tuesday directed the inspector general of police to provide information on the whereabouts of those the opposition said were abducted by police.
Ruto on Sunday said he was proud of the young people who had come out to exercise their democratic duty and said he would engage the youth on their concerns. Ruto was outside the capital attending an African Union retreat.
Unrest has persisted in the country over the controversial tax bill despite some of the proposed increases being scrapped.
Among the scrapped tax hikes was a proposed 16 per cent VAT on bread, as well as proposed taxes on motor vehicles, vegetable oil and mobile money transfers, the chairman of Kenya’s Finance and National Planning Committee.
A Kenya Police officer kicks a tear gas canister during a nationwide strike to protest against tax hikes
A police officer fires teargas at demonstrators during a protest against proposed tax hikes
An anti-government protester waves a Kenyan flag as police fire teargas at them
A demonstrator holds a Kenyan flag as police use water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters
‘When we started the public participation in the finance bill of 2024, we did make a promise that public participation would not be an exercise in futility. We have listened to the view of Kenyans,’ Kuria Kimani said in a speech last week.
Changes to the finance bill were driven by a ‘need to protect Kenyans from increased cost of living,’ Kimani said.
But the dramatic scenes today highlight how many have been left far from satisfied by the governments’ actions.
The measures have failed to allay fears that the tax hikes will worsen the cost-of-living crisis in the country.
