Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya’s parliament building was partially consumed by fire on Tuesday as violent protests erupted in response to the passage of a controversial bill that would impose significant new taxes on Kenyans.
Clashes between police and hundreds of demonstrators turned chaotic as protesters overwhelmed security barricades and stormed the parliament compound. Reuters journalists witnessed flames erupting from within the building, and medical personnel reported at least 50 injuries from gunfire.
The unrest stemmed from the parliament’s approval of a finance bill that introduces a “raft” of new taxes, according to a Reuters report. This legislation comes at a time when Kenya is already grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis, sparking outrage and demands for President William Ruto’s resignation.
“We want to shut down parliament and every MP should go down and resign,” declared protestor Davis Tafari to Reuters, highlighting the depth of public anger. “We will have a new government.”
The clashes extended beyond the capital, with reports of protests and violence erupting in several other Kenyan cities and towns. The controversial finance bill has now moved on to a third reading by lawmakers before being sent to the President for approval.
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