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At least five people have been shot dead after Kenyan Police fired live rounds at protesters in Nairobi Tuesday as outrage swelled against a controversial finance bill that led to extensive demonstrations.
The protests, ignited by the Finance Bill 2024, have united citizens under the banner of “7 Days of Rage,” with the nation bracing for further unrest. Activists, lawyers, and medical professionals issued a statement revealing that five people were fatally shot and around 31 others were injured, with varying types of ammunition causing harm.
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Despite government assurances of protecting the right to assemble, the protests spiraled into violence. Multiple incidents of human rights violations were reported by human rights observers and medical personnel, as highlighted in a joint statement by Amnesty International Kenya, the Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and Police Reforms Working Group Kenya.
During the protests, Kenya’s parliament was set on fire as demonstrators breached the building and even stole the ceremonial mace. Lawmakers present at the parliament managed to escape through an underground passage, as reported by KTV Kenya.
Reports say lawmakers were evacuated as police went up against protesters, escaping to the nearby government building of Bunge Towers.
The office of the Governor of Nairobi known as theNairobi’s City Hall, was also set on fire. Vehicles parked at Kenya’s Supreme Court, which is close to the City Hall, were also set on fire.
Earlier on Tuesday, Auma Obama, the half-sister of former United States President Barack Obama, was teargassed by police while protesting against the bill.
“I can’t even see anymore, we’re being teargassed,” Obama said in dramatic footage captured by a CNN reporter team on the ground.
“I’m here because look at what’s happening. Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They are demonstrating with flags and banners,” Obama said.
President William Ruto has said he wants to have dialogue with the protesters and that he is “proud” of them. However, security forces have been accused of abducting prominent Kenyans, particularly those who have large social media followings.
Amnesty International Kenya says it is investigating the whereabouts of up to 12 people who were “abducted in the middle of night” ahead of Tuesday’s planned protests.
Kenya is currently engulfed in nationwide protests against proposed tax increases, culminating in a violent “total shutdown” of the country on Tuesday.
Additional Source : CNN
