Ten protestors 'shot dead' by police in Kenya as parliament set on fire after controversial tax bill passed

Kenya protests

Thousands of people took to the streets of Nairobi

Reuters
Dimitris Kouimtsidis

By Dimitris Kouimtsidis


Published: 25/06/2024

- 14:15

Updated: 25/06/2024

- 15:15

Thousands of people took to the streets of Nairobi as they demanded politicians vote against new taxes proposed in a new finance bill

At least 10 protestors have reportedly been shot dead by police in Kenya as the country's parliament has been set on fire as demonstrations turn violent.

Thousands of people took to the streets of Nairobi today to demonstrate against a new tax bill that was proposed.


The bill will introduce new taxes, including an eco-levy that would raise the price of goods like period products and nappies.

A proposal to tax bread however, was removed after public outcry.

Kenya protestsThousands of people took to the streets of NairobiReuters

There have been protests at every reading of the bill, with today seeing the most violent demonstrations, during the third and final reading.

Following the bill's approval, the parliament compound was breached and fires were lit inside the building.

The President, William Ruto, had earlier said he wanted to have dialogue with the protesters and was "proud" of them.

But, police fired live rounds at protestors, killing at least 10, Reuters news agency reported.

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Kenya protests

Armed police opened fire into the crowd

Reuters

At least 50 others are also said to have been injured by the gunfire.

Video footage shows tear gas being thrown by armed police into the crowds in order to disperse them.

Fires have been lit in the streets by protestors, while several tables and chairs have been smashed up in the parliament building.

Former US President Barack Obama's half sister, the Kenyan-British activist Auma Obama, was teargassed by police during an interview with CNN while live on air.

Kenya protests

Video footage shows tear gas being thrown by armed police into the crowds in order to to disperse them

Reuters

The Kenya Human Rights Commission shared a video of police shooting at protesters and said they would be held to account.

Addressing President, the commission wrote on social media: "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."

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