In Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, protesters managed to breach the security at the parliament building on Tuesday. This occurred shortly after lawmakers passed a controversial tax increase bill. The demonstrators, numbering in the hundreds, overwhelmed the security guards and gained access to both the National Assembly and the Senate.
Once inside, they proceeded to cause damage to the premises. The situation escalated further when a section of the parliament building was set ablaze by the enraged protesters, who were also heard chanting slogans against the government.
Earlier in the day, these individuals had taken to the streets to express their opposition to the finance bill, which seeks to raise taxes on a wide range of items. They argue that this measure will only worsen the economic hardships already faced by the citizens.
Tragically, at least four protesters lost their lives due to gunshots, while several others sustained severe injuries amidst the violent turmoil. Nairobi County Police Commander Adamson Bungei provided this distressing information.
Some protesters had brought down a gate near the Senate and burnt down a police lorry that was outside the parliament.
Members of parliament were evacuated as the group of protesters confronted police.
The finance bill seeks to raise an additional 346.7 billion shillings (about 2.67 billion U.S. dollars) in taxes, including the railway development levy from 1.5 to 2.5 percent and the import declaration fee from 2.5 to 3.5 percent.