Raucous intrusion leads to fatalities at Kenyan parliament
The Kenyan administration is imposing higher taxes, sparking nationwide protests. In Nairobi, the bustling capital, agitators breached the parliament building. Law enforcement officers opened fire. At least one demonstrator lost their life, multiple others were wounded. The parliament structure caught fire, while legislators fled the scene.
A heated debate concerning debatable tax hikes in Nairobi, Kenya, led thousands of protesters to charge into the Kenyan parliament. Kenyan television broadcasts displayed protesters overcoming police barriers. The police responded with tear gas, high-pressure water cannons, and live bullets against the protesters. According to the Kenyan Human Rights Commission, one protester was fatalically shot, and at least three sustained gunshot wounds.
Protesters torched police vehicles and part of the parliament building. Legislators evacuated the premises. The protesters' goal was to access a vote on taxes within a controversial financial bill, which was under discussion during the parliamentary session. Television footage depicted shattered windows and damage to the parliament building.
Protests against the government's proposed tax increases erupted in Nairobi's capital city a week prior, spreading across the nation. At least two lives were already claimed. Citizens of the eastern African nation grapple with inflated living expenses.
The government has retracted the plan to impose a 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) on bread. However, tensions escalated over a proposed eco-tax, which would raise the price of women's and children's hygiene products.
Many feared that the law would exacerbate living costs. Churches and businesses have also voiced their opposition to the law. The protests started peacefully. However, tempers flared following the police's severe actions. During the parliament storming, hundreds of protesters maintained a peaceful vigil outside.
