KENYA: Violent Protest Erupts, Demonstrators Allegedly Killed, Parliament Building Burnt Over Tax Bill
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A protestor reacts next to the police during a demonstration against Kenya's proposed finance bill 2024/2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, June 25, 2024. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi
HBAgency has reported that the alleged killing of some protesters, as a section of Kenya’s parliament has been burnt by angry citizens in fierce demonstrations against new tax proposals.
It was reported that an angry crowd broke through police lines to storm the parliamentary complex in the capital Nairobi – minutes later live TV footage showed smoke escaping from inside.
The report has it that for hours had police fired tear gas and rubber bullets as thousands of people marched through Nairobi’s streets to denounce tax hikes, which the government says are needed to lower the national debt.
Footage from multiple Kenyan media outlets also show people battling a fire at City Hall – the office of the Nairobi county governor.
It would be recalled that the youth-led protests began last week and have now spread to other locations in the country.
Confirming the alleged killing, the Kenya Medical Association said that police in Nairobi shot dead at least five people during the latest protests on Tuesday.
About 40 people are reportedly being treated in hospitals.
A human rights organisation said it had witnessed four protesters being shot, and said that one person had been been killed.
“Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a grave violation of human rights,” the Kenya Human Rights Commission said.
At least two people died and hundreds others were injured in last week’s demonstrations, which were largely peaceful.
Police have not yet commented on casualty figures.
