10 Kenyan protesters killed by police while storming parliament
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At least ten were killed as police opened fire on Kenyan protesters storming the parliament as they protested the passing of legislation that increased taxes.
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Protesters scatter as Kenya police fire a water canon at them during a protest over proposed tax hikes in a finance bill in downtown Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, June 25, 2024. (AP)
At least 10 people were killed, and many others were injured on Tuesday when police fired on hundreds of protesters who stormed the parliament compound in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The protesters were demonstrating against recently passed legislation that increased taxes.
Lawmakers were forced to seek refuge in underground tunnels as the demonstrators breached the security perimeter.
A Red Cross volunteer, speaking anonymously to Anadolu, reported that at least ten people were killed. The number of casualties is likely to rise, as several injured individuals are being treated for gunshot wounds.
He said, "Dozens have been injured, and the death toll is likely to rise,” adding, “The situation is dire, and we’re struggling to provide adequate medical assistance as it’s worsening,” he added.
In a chaotic scene, protesters were seen inside the parliament building, standing on the speaker's chair, while fires burned outside, including one that engulfed a police vehicle. Angry youths set fire to parts of the parliament and the Nairobi governor's office within the capital complex.
Despite the chaos, neither the police nor the government released any statements about the casualties during the nationwide protest, which began last Tuesday and was led by the youth organization Generation Z.
Protesters storm the residence of Kenyan lawmaker Kuria Kimani
Protesters also stormed the private residence of Kenyan lawmaker Kuria Kimani, who publically supported the controversial tax proposals, the NTV Kenya broadcaster has reported.
"Angry protesters" stormed the rural home of Kimani, the chairman of the National Assembly’s Finance and Planning Committee, on Tuesday afternoon, the broadcaster reported.
To disperse the crowd of protesters, police were forced to fire tear gas on those who attempted to break into the lawmaker's residence, the broadcaster reported.
The protesters threw rocks at police officers and into the residence, smashing some windows and nearly overpowering the police forces. However, according to the report, law enforcement called for reinforcements and managed to secure the compound.
Cybersecurity watchdog organization, NetBlocks, reported on Tuesday that "a major disruption to internet connectivity" was experienced in Kenya, followed by internet disruptions in neighboring countries, including Uganda and Burundi.
Protests against tax hikes
Internet services across the country have been majorly disrupted due to violent protests against tax hikes, leaving many people unable to access the X social media platform, an Anadolu reporter confirmed.
According to local media, protesters have looted shops and businesses in several parts of the country.
In various cities, including Nairobi, Eldoret, and Kisumu, store owners reported significant losses as looters smashed windows, stole merchandise, and vandalized property amid the chaos.
Meanwhile, a statement from Amnesty International's Kenya chapter confirmed the deaths of five people. The statement also reported that 31 people have been injured, with 13 having been shot with live bullets and four hit by rubber bullets.
