The chaotic scene turned deadly when police opened fire, resulting in at least three fatalities, as witnessed by journalists, according to The Associated Press.
A section of Kenya’s parliament building was set ablaze on Tuesday as a massive protest against the controversial finance bill escalated, forcing lawmakers to flee for their safety.
The chaotic scene turned deadly when police opened fire, resulting in at least three fatalities, as witnessed by journalists, according to The Associated Press.
This violent confrontation marks a stark escalation in the decades-long history of political demonstrations in the country.
Thousands of protesters, largely youth, stormed Kenya’s parliament on Tuesday, decrying the passage of a controversial bill that introduces new taxes amidst widespread discontent over the high cost of living.
Despite their demands, lawmakers approved the bill, prompting chaos as protesters overpowered police and occupied the building.
Opposition legislators who voted against the bill were allowed to leave safely, while the fire that broke out was later extinguished.
The dramatic scene highlighted the intense frustration and discontent among Kenyans, who have been struggling with economic hardship for years.
As the unrest escalated, a protester fatally shot by police was solemnly wrapped in a Kenyan flag and carried away by demonstrators.
The chaos began to spread to other parts of the country, prompting a tense and volatile atmosphere.
Despite the turmoil, the government remained silent, and internet connectivity slowed significantly. President William Ruto, currently attending an African Union retreat outside Nairobi, had been expected to sign the controversial finance bill into law this week, but now has two weeks to consider his next move amidst the growing unrest.
Tuesday’s turmoil also extended to the office of the Nairobi governor, a prominent member of the ruling party, which was briefly engulfed in flames.
The building, situated near the parliament complex, was seen billowing smoke from its white facade before police deployed water cannons to successfully extinguish the fire.
The ongoing protests resulted in the loss of two lives last week, and concerns about a government crackdown are escalating.
Earlier on Tuesday, Kenya Law Society President Faith Odhiambo sounded the alarm that at least 50 citizens, including her own assistant, have been forcibly detained by suspected police officers, sparking fears of widespread arbitrary arrests and disappearances.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that KTN News on Tuesday reported that the Kenyan government had threatened to shut down the station.
KTN is a member of the Standard Group PLC, a multi-media organization with investments in print, TV, radio, digital & courier services. The arms under the group include The Standard Newspaper, Nairobian, KTN News, KTN Home, KTN Farmers, BTV, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, Vybez Radio & Berur FM.
On Tuesday afternoon, during a live broadcast on KTN, an unexpected announcement revealed that the media organization was facing threats of closure, shocking viewers and staff alike.
A news anchor announced, “In the wake of a detailed coverage of the ongoing protest against the Finance Bill 2024 that has been organised by Gen Z protesters, we would like to inform our viewers that we have received threats from the authorities of intention to shut us down.
“We would like to inform the public of our commitment to defend public interests and we shall not be cowed by any threats.”