Kenya protests: Demonstrators ‘shot dead’ as parliament set on fire after contentious tax bill passed
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Protesters in Kenya have reportedly been shot dead and Nairobi’s parliament set on fire after a contentious tax bill was passed.
At least 10 protesters were shot dead in the Kenyan capital, according to the Reuters news agency, after police fired live rounds as the compound was stormed by demonstrators following the passing of the bill.
Thousands of people were protesting on Tuesday as they demanded politicians vote against new taxes proposed in the controversial finance bill.
But after it was approved, Reuters said the parliament compound was breached and fires were reported from within the building.
A paramedic told the news agency at least 50 people were also injured by gunfire during the protests.
Video footage from inside the Kenyan parliament showed tables and chairs overturned and smashed up, while footage from outside showed fires, tear gas smoke and dozens of armed police.
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.
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 was removed after public outcry.
There have been protests at every reading of the bill, with Tuesday being the third and final round, with the most violent demonstrations.
Pic: AP
Pic: AP
The Kenya Human Rights Commission shared a video of police shooting at protesters and said they would be held to account.
Addressing President William Ruto, 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.”
The president had earlier said he wanted to have dialogue with the protesters and was “proud” of them.
But, security forces have been accused of abducting prominent Kenyans, especially those with large social media followings.
The Kenya Law Society President Faith Odhiambo on Tuesday said 50 Kenyans, including her personal assistant, had been “abducted” by people believed to be police officers.
