Kenya in Turmoil: Parliament Building Torched Amid Mass Protests Against Finance Bill

Protesters Storm Parliament, Legislators Flee

On Tuesday, chaos erupted in Kenya as thousands of protesters set fire to part of the parliament building. Demonstrators stormed the premises, demanding the rejection of a controversial finance bill. Eyewitnesses reported seeing several bodies outside the complex as police responded with gunfire. The unrest quickly spread to other cities.

Mounting Frustrations Over Living Costs

The protesters, many of whom were young supporters of President William Ruto, were incensed by new taxes proposed in the finance bill. These taxes exacerbate the already high cost of living in East Africa’s economic hub. Disillusioned by unmet promises of economic relief, they took to the streets in defiance.

Lawmakers Evacuate via Tunnel

Despite the uproar, legislators passed the bill before fleeing through a tunnel to escape the advancing crowd. Protesters permitted opposition members, who voted against the bill, to exit the building safely. The fire was eventually controlled, but tensions remained high. One protester was found shot dead, wrapped in a Kenyan flag.

Government’s Silence and Internet Disruptions

There was no immediate response from the government, and internet services across the country experienced significant slowdowns. President Ruto, who was attending an African Union event outside Nairobi, has two weeks to sign the bill into law.

Governor’s Office Targeted

Protesters briefly set fire to the office of Nairobi’s governor, located near the parliament. Police used water cannons to douse the flames. Throughout the chaos, shouts of “We’re coming for every politician” echoed from the crowd.

Violence and Medical Emergencies

Police used live ammunition and tear gas against protesters, some of whom sought medical aid at a nearby church. Kenyatta National Hospital reported 45 injured individuals, though fatalities were not immediately confirmed.

Nationwide Demonstrations

In Nakuru, protesters attempted to storm the State House, while clashes erupted in Kisumu. Mombasa’s governor joined local protesters, expressing solidarity. Demonstrators also targeted ruling party offices in Embu, with similar confrontations reported in Nyeri.

Media Under Threat, Bishops Call for Peace

KTN, a local broadcaster, reported threats from authorities to shut down as they continued covering the events. Catholic bishops appealed to the police to refrain from violence and urged the government to heed the public’s outcry, emphasizing the severe hardships families face due to the “unwarranted” taxes.

Reports of Abductions

Civil society groups have reported that 50 individuals, including Kenya Law Society President Faith Odhiambo’s assistant, were abducted by suspected police officers. These abductions targeted vocal critics of the bill and occurred in various locations, including homes and public spaces.

Kenyan Police Deployed to Haiti

In a separate development, hundreds of Kenyan police officers were deployed to Haiti to lead a UN-backed mission against gang violence. This deployment proceeded despite legal challenges in Kenya, with U.S. President Joe Biden expressing his gratitude.

Conclusion

Kenya is facing significant unrest as citizens protest against new taxes amidst a challenging economic climate. The government’s actions and the police response are under intense scrutiny, with calls for accountability and peace growing louder.