Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ In a dramatic escalation of unrest, part of Kenya’s parliament building caught fire on Tuesday as thousands of protesters, furious over a new finance bill, stormed the complex. This marks the most direct assault on the government in decades. Journalists reported seeing at least three bodies outside the building, where police had opened fire on the crowd.
The demonstrators demanded that legislators reject the controversial bill, which imposes new taxes in a country already grappling with frustrations over the high cost of living. The protesters managed to outmanoeuvre police and enter parliament shortly after the bill was passed. Lawmakers fled through a tunnel, but opposition legislators who voted against the bill were allowed to exit the besieged building safely.
In a nearby incident, the office of the Nairobi governor, a ruling party member, was also set ablaze. Police water cannons were deployed to extinguish the fire. Protesters could be heard chanting, “We’re coming for every politician.”
The situation quickly turned violent as police fired live ammunition and launched tear-gas canisters at protesters. Many sought medical treatment at a tent set up at a nearby church. The Kenya Human Rights Commission released a video showing officers shooting at protesters and vowed to hold them accountable.
This latest incident follows the deaths of two people in similar protests last week. According to Faith Odhiambo, President of the Kenya Law Society, 50 Kenyans, including her personal assistant, were “abducted” by individuals believed to be police officers. Civil society groups reported that many of those abducted were vocal demonstrators taken from their homes, workplaces, and public spaces ahead of Tuesday’s protests.
Police officials did not respond to calls for comment. Parliament Speaker Moses Wetangula has instructed the inspector general of police to provide information on the whereabouts of the abducted individuals.
President William Ruto, who was attending an African Union retreat outside the capital, expressed his pride in the youth exercising their democratic rights and promised to engage with them on their concerns.
The protests highlight the severe discontent among Kenyans over the economic challenges they face, and the government’s handling of these protests will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
