A section of Kenya’s parliament building caught fire on Tuesday as thousands of protesters, opposing a new finance bill, stormed the complex, forcing legislators to flee in the most significant challenge to the government in decades. Journalists reported seeing at least three bodies outside the premises after police opened fire.
The protesters demanded that legislators reject the controversial bill, which imposes new taxes on a populace already frustrated by the high cost of living. Despite police efforts, the demonstrators managed to enter parliament shortly after the bill was passed. Legislators escaped through a tunnel, but opposition members who voted against the bill were allowed to leave by the protesters.
The Nairobi governor’s office, situated near parliament and held by a ruling party member, was also set ablaze. Police deployed water cannons to extinguish the fire. Protesters were heard shouting, “We’re coming for every politician.”
Police fired live ammunition and tear-gas canisters at protesters seeking medical treatment at a nearby church tent. The Kenya Human Rights Commission released a video showing officers shooting at protesters, vowing to hold them accountable.
Two people had died in similar protests the previous week.
Kenya Law Society President Faith Odhiambo reported that 50 Kenyans, including her personal assistant, had been “abducted” by individuals believed to be police officers. Civil society groups indicated that the missing persons were prominent demonstrators taken from their homes, workplaces, and public areas before Tuesday’s protests.
Police officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Parliament Speaker Moses Wetangula directed the inspector general of police to provide information on those allegedly abducted.
President William Ruto, who was attending an African Union retreat outside the capital, expressed pride on Sunday in the youth who participated in the protests, promising to engage with them on their concerns.
