Kenya’s Parliament Building Partly Burned Amid Violent Protests Against New Finance Bill, Resulting in Multiple Deaths and Injuries
Thousands of protesters stormed part of Kenya’s parliament building on Tuesday, resulting in a fire and clashes with police that led to multiple fatalities. The unrest was sparked by a new finance bill imposing higher taxes, which has exacerbated public frustration over the high cost of living. Protesters, many of whom were youth disillusioned with President William Ruto’s economic promises, entered the parliamentary complex as legislators fled through a tunnel. The fire was extinguished later, but the confrontation continued, with police opening fire and medical workers reporting several deaths and numerous injuries.
As the situation escalated, President Ruto, who was attending an African Union retreat, had not yet commented, and internet service disruptions were reported. Protests spread to other cities, with demonstrators targeting government buildings and demanding political accountability. The Nairobi governor’s office was briefly set on fire, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission shared footage of police violence against protesters. Despite government efforts to calm tensions, public dissatisfaction over the economic measures and state corruption remained high, uniting many Kenyans against the finance bill.
In Nairobi and other regions, protests intensified, with calls for Ruto to step down. Demonstrations occurred even in the town where Ruto was present, highlighting the widespread discontent. The violence prompted a response from international diplomats and civil society groups, who condemned the government’s actions and called for an end to the violence. Meanwhile, allegations of abductions by police officers further fueled public outrage and calls for justice.
The national Catholic bishops and other civil society organizations urged the government to address citizens’ grievances and refrain from violent crackdowns on protesters. Previous protests had also seen fatalities, and the current unrest signaled a deepening crisis in Kenya. The political and social turmoil reflects the broader issues of inequality, corruption, and economic hardship that continue to challenge the country.
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