On Tuesday, protesters in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, breached security at the parliament building just hours after a controversial tax hike bill was passed by lawmakers.
Hundreds of demonstrators opposing the tax increase overwhelmed security guards and forced their way into both the National Assembly and the Senate, causing extensive damage.
A portion of the parliament building was set ablaze by enraged protesters, many of whom were chanting anti-government slogans.
Earlier in the day, protesters had taken to the streets to voice their discontent with the finance bill, which proposes raising taxes on a variety of items, arguing it will worsen the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.
Nairobi County Police Commander Adamson Bungei reported that at least four protesters were shot dead, and several others sustained serious gunshot wounds during the turmoil.
“I saw four bodies lying in a pool of blood outside parliament. Things are really sad,” a witness told reporters outside the parliament building.
In addition to breaching security, some protesters tore down a gate near the Senate and set a police lorry on fire outside the parliament.
Members of parliament were evacuated as protesters clashed with police.
The finance bill aims to generate an additional 346.7 billion shillings (about 2.67 billion U.S. dollars) in taxes. This includes increasing the railway development levy from 1.5% to 2.5% and the import declaration fee from 2.5% to 3.5%.
