Riot in Kenya/Parliament on fire after approval of new tax law

2024-06-25 16:54:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Riot in Kenya/Parliament on fire after approval of new tax law

Illustrative photo from Kenya

Parts of Kenya's parliament were set on fire on Tuesday as thousands of residents protesting a new finance law forced their way into the building, forcing lawmakers to flee.

This is the first attack on the government in decades. Journalists saw at least three dead near the complex where the police opened fire.

Protesters were urging lawmakers to vote against a controversial law that would have imposed new taxes. Discontent has been simmering in Kenya for several years due to the rising cost of living.

Protesters broke through police barricades and entered parliament shortly after lawmakers passed the law. Lawmakers fled through a tunnel, while opposition lawmakers who voted against the law were allowed by protesters to exit the cordoned-off building.

The office of the Nairobi governor, a member of the ruling party, was also set on fire.

Protesters chanted "We will follow every politician".

Police opened fire and fired tear gas at protesters who sought medical help in a tent near a church near the parliamentary complex.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission released a video recording of police officers firing at protesters. The organization said it will demand accountability from the authorities.

Two people were killed in similar protests last week.

The president of the Kenya Law Society, Faith Odhiambo, announced on Tuesday that about 50 members of the society, including her personal assistant, have been "abducted" by members of the police, according to the Associated Press news agency.

Some of those abducted were vocal participants in the demonstrations and were taken from their homes, workplaces and public places shortly before Tuesday's protest, according to civil society organizations.

Police did not respond to the allegations, while Speaker of Parliament Moses Wetangula ordered the inspector general of police to provide information on the whereabouts of those the opposition says have been abducted.

Kenyan President William Ruto is not in Nairobi attending an African Union meeting. He said on Sunday that he is proud of the young people who are exercising their democratic rights and that he will talk to them about the concerns of their generation./ Voa