Kenya's Parliament Set Ablaze Amid Protests Against New Tax Raise Bill, India Issues Advisory For Nationals

A part of the parliament building of Kenya was set ablaze by protestors who stormed the building, objecting to the new finance bill that would increase taxes.

A part of the parliament building of Kenya was set ablaze by protestors who were unhappy with the new finance bill. ( Image Source :X/@citizentvkenya )

A part of Kenya’s parliament building was set to fire on Tuesday as protestors gathered in thousands to showcase their objection to a new finance bill that would raise taxes. This is likely the most direct assault on the government in decades as protestors entered the parliament building, setting it ablaze as lawmakers were present inside passing the legislation to raise taxes. 

Amidst the raging protests, the police was forced to open fire on the demonstators after tear gas and water cannons could not disperse the crowds, Reuters reported. This left at least three dead and several others injured, news agency Associated Press reported.

In view of the prevailing tense situation, India has issued advisory for nationals in Kenya, to "exercise utmost caution,  restrict non-essential movement and avoid the areas affected by the protests and violence till the situation clears up."

ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN KENYA

In view of the prevailing tense situation, all Indians in Kenya are advised to exercise utmost caution, restrict non-essential movement and avoid the areas affected by the protests and violence till the situation clears up.

— India in Kenya (@IndiainKenya) June 25, 2024

A Reuters report stated that protestors overwhelmed the police and chased them away in a bid to enter into the parliament's compund. Kenya's Citizen TV reported that the demonstrators had managed to storm the Senate chamber, earlier today.

The AP report stated that the citizens had demanded that the legislators cast their vote against the new bill imposing fresh taxes in Kenya, which is East Africa's economic hub. For years, tensions have been simmering in the county over the high cost of living here.

Lawmakers Escape Through Tunnel As Protestors Attack Parliament

Even the youth who voted President William Ruto into power, cheering him for his promises of economic relief, were forced to take to the streets to protest against the reforms.

However, lawmakers voted in favour of the bill and later fled through a tunnel as agitated protesters, mainly youth, outmaneuvered police deployed at the parliament to enter into the building.

The opposition legislators who voted against the bill were allowed to walk out of the besieged building by the protesters, AP reported.

Later, the fire was put out. As per the report, a person who was shot dead was carried away, wrapped in a Kenyan flag.

Even after the massive protests, Kenya’s government did not give an immediate comment. The internet service in the country, though, has noticeably slowed.

President Ruto was not in Nairobi when the protestors attacked the parliament. He was attending an African Union retreat. He was expected to sign the finance bill into law this week, and has two weeks to act, AP reported.

'We’re Coming For Every Politician'

Protesters could be heard shouting, "We’re coming for every politician."

"We want to shut down parliament and every MP should go down and resign," a protester trying to enter parliament, told Reuters. "We will have a new government."

To disperse the protestors, police also fired live ammunition and threw tear gas canisters at a medical tent set up at a church near the parliament complex, where injured demonstators were getting treated, AP reported.

Kenyatta National Hospital confirmed that it had received 45 "victims" but it was not immediately clear if any were dead there.

Ruto on Sunday had tried to address the youth, tryin to calm the rising public tensions over the new finance bill. He said he was proud of the young Kenyans who exercised their democratic duty, adding that he would address their concerns.

Clashes Spread To Other Parts Of City

Apart from the parliament, clashes spread to other parts of the cities as well.

Nairobi governor's office, also a member of the ruling party, was also set ablaze briefly on Tuesday, with smoke billowing from the building's white facade. Police used water cannons to extinguish the fire at his office, which is located near parliament.

Protesters also tried to storm the State House located in the city of Nakuru, a witness said.

Clashes were also reported in the western lakeside city of Kisumu.

Mombasa's governor, which is Kenya’s second largest city, joined demonstrators outside his office, extending his support to them.

Protesters also burned down offices of the ruling party in Embu, located in central Kenya, the Nation newspaper reported.

Citizen TV showed police confronting protesters in the smoking streets in Nyeri, central Kenya.