Police open fire on demonstrators trying to storm Kenya parliament, several dead

NAIROBI: Police opened fire on demonstrators attempting to storm Kenya’s legislature on Tuesday during Kenya parliament protests. At least five protesters were killed, dozens wounded, and sections of the parliament building were set ablaze. Lawmakers inside were passing legislation to raise taxes amid the chaos.

In chaotic scenes, protesters overwhelmed police and chased them away in an attempt to storm the parliament compound. Flames could be seen coming from inside.

Police opened fire after tear gas and water cannon failed to disperse the crowds.

A Reuters journalist counted the bodies of at least five protesters outside parliament. A paramedic, Vivian Achista, said at least 10 had been shot dead.

Another paramedic, Richard Ngumo, said more than 50 people had been wounded by gunfire. He was lifting two injured protesters into an ambulance outside parliament.

“We want to shut down parliament and every MP should go down and resign,” protester Davis Tafari, who was trying to enter parliament, told Reuters. “We will have a new government.”

Police eventually managed to drive the protesters from the building amid clouds of tear gas and the sound of gunfire. The lawmakers were evacuated through underground tunnels, local media reported.

Internet services across the country also experienced severe disruptions during the police crackdown, Internet monitor Netblocks said.

Protests and clashes also took place in several other cities and towns across the country, with many calling for President William Ruto to quit office as well as voicing their opposition to the tax rises.

The Kenya parliament protests underscore simmering tensions over political issues and governance challenges. The use of force by police has exacerbated public discontent and raised concerns about the handling of dissent in democratic processes.
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