A portion of Kenya’s parliament is currently on fire, just moments after demonstrators stormed the building by breaching police lines.
Smoke was seen emanating from the complex in real-time on local television.
As police fired shots to break up the gathering, there have been reports of people getting hurt.
According to a human rights organization, four protestors were shot, and one person died as a result. There is no proof of this.
“Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a grave violation of human rights,” a the Kenya Human Rights Commission said.
Images of a nearby police truck that was on fire were also included.
Security personnel have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the thousands of protestors who have been fighting with the police.
Protests have also taken place in other American cities and villages.
Companies have closed, and transportation is at a standstill.
Protests broke out shortly after Members of Parliament approved a contentious budget measure that included unpopular taxes.
The demonstrators, who were mostly young, urged MPs to oppose the proposed tax rises.
The administration claims that higher taxes are necessary to finance expenditure plans and reduce the debt load, even though it has backtracked on some of the most divisive policies.
A police officer was heard telling his colleagues to “get the rubber bullets from the box” by an AFP journalist earlier.
Subsequently, it was alleged that the police opened fire on the demonstrators in the air.
The parliament and other important government buildings were guarded by officers. Protesters were able to access the complex, though.
The crowds were far larger than in prior protests, according to a BBC reporter in Nairobi, and the police appeared to be overpowered.
The protesters had been shouting “reject the finance bill”, and had vowed to get to parliament.
“There are some things that are hard to understand, like how can you impose 16% tax on bread? How can you tax sanitary pads?” 24-year-old Derrick Mwathu told the BBC.
He was alluding to some of the contentious policies that were first put forth; the administration has now declared that it will solely tax imported sanitary products and will not levy a tax on bread.
Lawyers and human rights organizations voiced concerns about arbitrary arrests and the harassment of activists during previous protests before to the marches.
It was announced hours before the protests, amid rumors that at least five well-known social media users had been kidnapped at morning.
Julius Malema of South Africa and Bobi Wine, the head of the opposition in Uganda, have both acknowledged their interest in the protests and offered their support.
During last week’s mostly peaceful protests, there were hundreds of injuries and at least two fatalities.
In response to the concerns raised by the young people leading the protests, Mr. Ruto acknowledged the demonstrations and said he would have discussions. (BBC)
Be the first to comment