Many Killed as Kenyan Youths Storm Parliament, Destroy Property, and Burn Building.
Thousands of protesters stormed Kenya’s parliament on Tuesday to protest tax proposals, burning part of the building, sending lawmakers fleeing, and drawing fire from police. Several people were killed in the unrest, which President William Ruto vowed to quash.
It marked the most direct assault on the government in decades. Journalists observed at least three bodies outside the complex where police had opened fire, and medical workers reported five fatalities. The clashes spread to other cities, with no immediate reports on arrests.
“Today’s events mark a critical turning point in how we respond to threats to our national security,” President Ruto said, calling the events “treasonous” and pledging to quell the unrest “at whatever cost.” Kenya’s defense minister announced that the military had been deployed to support police during the “security emergency” and “breaching of critical infrastructure.”
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Protesters demanded that legislators vote against a finance bill imposing new taxes on East Africa’s economic hub, where frustrations over the high cost of living have simmered. Youth who had voted Ruto into power with hopes for economic relief have taken to the streets to protest the reforms.
Despite the chaos, lawmakers managed to pass the bill before fleeing through a tunnel as protesters outmaneuvered police and stormed the building. The fire was later extinguished.
The Kenya Medical Association reported that at least five people were fatally shot while trying to treat the wounded. More than 30 people were injured, with at least 13 suffering gunshot wounds. Police fired live ammunition and tear gas at protesters who sought treatment at a nearby church’s medical tent. Kenyatta National Hospital received 45 casualties.
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One person shot dead was wrapped in a Kenyan flag and carried away, while another lay on the sidewalk with their head in the gutter. Internet service noticeably slowed, which NetBlocks called a “major disruption,” and at least one broadcaster reported receiving threats from authorities to shut down.
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Ruto, who was attending an African Union retreat outside Nairobi, is expected to sign the finance bill into law this week. He has two weeks to act but faces calls from religious and other leaders to reconsider.
The nearby office of the Nairobi governor, a ruling party member, was briefly on fire, with smoke pouring from its facade. Police used water cannons to extinguish the fire. Protesters shouted, “We’re coming for every politician.”
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The Kenya Human Rights Commission shared a video of officers shooting at protesters, urging Ruto to stop the killings. However, the president stated that the government had “mobilized all resources” to ensure order.
On Sunday, Ruto tried to calm rising public tensions, expressing pride in young Kenyans exercising their democratic duty in earlier protests. Known as a “hustler” from humble beginnings, he said he would engage them on their concerns.
Youth have announced they are uniting to hold the government accountable as prices for fuel, food, and other necessities soar. In Nairobi, a regional hub for expatriates and a United Nations complex, the inequality among Kenyans has sharpened alongside long-held frustrations over state corruption.
Opposition to the finance bill has united many in the country, with some rejecting the tribal divisions that have previously torn Kenya apart. Some who had passionately supported Ruto now feel betrayed.
“I fell for his lies. Now I’m out here regretting why I voted for him,” said Oscar Saina, a youth, to The Associated Press last week.
As throngs of protesters rushed through the streets on Tuesday, defiance also emerged in Naivasha, where protesters chanted “Ruto must go.” Protesters attempted to storm the State House in Nakuru and clashed with police in Kisumu. In Mombasa, the governor joined protesters outside his office, expressing support.
Protesters burned ruling party offices in Embu, reported Nation newspaper. Citizen TV showed footage of police confronting protesters in Nyeri. A national gathering of Catholic bishops urged police to refrain from attacking protesters and pleaded with the government to listen to citizens’ pain over the “unwarranted” taxes, saying, “the country is bleeding … families are immensely suffering.”
Two people died in similar protests last week, and civil society groups have raised concerns about a crackdown.
Kenya Law Society President Faith Odhiambo stated that 50 Kenyans, including her personal assistant, had been “abducted” by people believed to be police officers. Some were vocal in the demonstrations and were taken from homes, workplaces, and public spaces ahead of Tuesday’s protests, according to civil society groups.
A statement from diplomats from 13 Western countries, including the United States, expressed shock at the scenes outside parliament and concern about the violence and abductions of protesters.
Police officials did not immediately respond to calls for comment. Parliament Speaker Moses Wetangula directed the inspector general of police to provide information on the whereabouts of those missing.
Also on Tuesday, hundreds of Kenya’s police officers, long accused of abuses by human rights watchdogs, arrived in Haiti to lead a United Nations-backed multinational force against powerful gangs. The deployment faces a legal challenge in Kenya, but Ruto’s government has proceeded, with U.S. President Joe Biden expressing gratitude.
Many Killed as Kenyan Youths Storm Parliament, Destroy Property, and Burn Building (VIDEO).
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