Angry demonstrators stormed the Kenyan Parliament building today, Tuesday, setting parts of it ablaze as protests against new tax measures escalated into violent clashes with police, resulting in the deaths of 10 individuals.
A medical worker stated that "at least ten people were shot dead in the Kenyan capital today after protests against new taxes turned into violent confrontations with the police."
Witnesses reported that protesters entered the complex after lawmakers approved a controversial bill that would impose a range of new taxes. Local television also reported that a fire broke out in the Nairobi governor's office during anti-tax protests.
The police used water cannons to disperse demonstrators in an effort to control a fire on the ground floor of the building located in Nairobi's commercial area, just meters away from the parliament previously stormed by protesters.
The surge in public anger in Kenya came as tensions heightened ahead of a vote by lawmakers today on a bill to impose additional taxes. Expectations indicated that widespread protests led by the youth would intensify against government plans to increase revenue.
In response to these developments, Kenyan authorities took precautionary security measures by erecting barricades around the parliament building, while many businesses in Nairobi remained closed.
The police fired tear gas to disperse protesters as hundreds took to the streets across the country in reaction to proposed tax hikes, according to "Reuters."
Anti-government demonstrators had called for the closure of economic activities due to revenue enhancement measures, which further burden the approximately 54 million residents living in poverty. Activists are also urging the government to focus on combating corruption and improving financial allocations.
President William Ruto, meanwhile, is seeking to impose new taxes on a wide range of goods and services, aiming to raise $2.7 billion to bolster the country's financial resources and secure funding from the International Monetary Fund. With the new tax proposal, many residents fear an unprecedented rise in the cost of living, raising concerns among entrepreneurs and investors about declining purchasing power.
