Kenya’s youthful protesters have successfully breached the parliament building in Nairobi despite a huge paramilitary presence. A week-long protest has gripped the country, led mainly by young people who organized themselves through social media.
They are protesting government plans to introduce a new Finance Bill that is expected to raise taxes. The protesters fear this will increase inflation and burden Kenya’s poor.
Parliament approved the finance bill, moving it through to a third reading by lawmakers. The next step is to send the legislation to the president for signing. He can send it back to parliament if he has any objections.
The development triggered the protesters even more.
As they broke into the parliament building Tuesday morning, a fire erupted, and at least ten people have reportedly died as the protests rather than de-escalate seem to escalate.
The protesters demanded that President William Ruto step down from office.
Lawmakers Flee Building
In chaotic scenes, protesters overwhelmed police and stormed the parliament compound. Local media outlets report that as protesters came in, MPs scampered for safety in the basement.
Some legislators fled through a tunnel, but according to reports, protesters allowed opposition legislators who voted against the bill to walk out of the besieged building.
CNN US breaking news: protesters breach Kenya parliament. CNN has seen at least 2 bodies after police used live rounds on demonstrators pic.twitter.com/384qJ1jwXg
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) June 25, 2024
At least 50 people were injured as police shot. Paramedics are outside parliament evacuating wounded from the chaotic scene.
The witness reported that at least five bodies could be seen outside the building.
Police opened fire after tear gas and water cannon failed to disperse the crowds, yet the youths made their way inside the building.
One Kenya Human Rights Commission shared a video of officers shooting at protesters and said they would be held to account.
“We want to shut down parliament, and every MP should go down and resign,” one protestor was heard saying as he tried to force his way into the building. “We will have a new government“, he said.
Military Not Yet Involved
So far, President Ruto has refrained from calling in the army. But as the protests’ popularity and the ensuing anarchy grows, the world will be watching how the president responds to this developing situation.
Protests and clashes also occurred in several other cities and towns across the country.
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