Kenya tax protests: Five reported killed in capital Nairobi
5 Dead, Parliament On Fire In Kenya Tax Protests
Written by Ido Vock and Basillioh Rukanga for the BBC News
Kenya experiences violence and chaos in Nairobi due to new tax regulations leading to gunfire and tear gas being used.
At least five people protesting against new tax proposals in Kenya were shot and killed by the police. Additionally, a part of parliament was set on fire during the escalating demonstrations.
A furious group of people pushed past police barricades to enter the parliament building in Nairobi, then proceeded to set some parts of it on fire.
In a speech on Tuesday night, President William Ruto stated that he would use all methods possible to prevent dangerous criminals from disrupting the security and stability of our nation.
He has used the military to stop the protests.
Demonstrations against a controversial finance legislation, which includes multiple tax increases, have been going on for days. However, they intensified on Tuesday when lawmakers approved a revised bill.
Protesters forcefully entered the parliament building, causing damage inside and starting fires in some areas. They also took the ceremonial mace, which represents the power and authority of the legislative body.
Law enforcement officers shot and killed at least five individuals with real bullets, as confirmed by the Kenya Medical Association. A journalist from the BBC who was present described witnessing bloody bodies scattered on the pavement.
24-year-old Derrick Mwathu expressed confusion about certain aspects of the original bill, such as the idea of taxing essential items like bread and sanitary pads. It doesn't make sense to him how a 16% tax could be placed on these basic necessities.
President Ruto promised to react strongly to the "chaos and disorder" that he referred to as the "violence and anarchy."
Mr. Ruto stated that it is not acceptable for criminals posing as peaceful protesters to cause chaos and terrorize the public, elected officials, and constitutional institutions without facing consequences.
On Tuesday, fires broke out in both the city hall and the parliament building.
Many people were said to have been hurt, some by rubber bullets and tear gas. A BBC journalist saw doctors being removed from a church in Nairobi where a medical clinic had been established to help injured protesters.
A new temporary facility was established near the emergency department at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Physicians exit a makeshift clinic they established for demonstrators at a Nairobi church following expulsion by armed forces.
The ex-president, Uhuru Kenyatta, encouraged discussion, stating that the leaders of Kenya should understand that they receive their power and authority from the people.
Even though the government made some changes to the initial bill, protesters are still calling for it to be completely scrapped.
23-year-old Maureen Awuor expressed that it is important for their generation's voices to be listened to and acknowledged because they are the future leaders.
The demonstrations have been featured in news stories throughout Africa and various other regions globally.
Two prominent African figures who challenge the current political system, Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine and radical South African politician Julius Malema, have both voiced their backing for the demonstrators.
Countries in the West have shown worry about the violence and are asking for people to remain peaceful.
