KENYA IN FLAMES: Protesters Set Buildings Ablaze as MPs Pass Controversial Finance Bill

Chaos erupted in the Kenyan capital on Tuesday as thousands of protesters stormed the parliament building, setting parts of it on fire, in a bid to block the passage of a controversial finance bill.

The demonstrators, who have been demanding that legislators reject the bill imposing new taxes on a country already struggling with a high cost of living, outmaneuvered police and gained entry into the parliament complex.

As lawmakers fled through a tunnel, protesters allowed opposition legislators who voted against the bill to walk out of the besieged building.

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

Police responded with force, using water cannons to extinguish the fire and firing live ammunition and tear gas at protesters who sought treatment at a medical tent set up at a nearby church.

At least three bodies were seen outside the complex, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission shared a video of officers shooting at protesters.

The protests have been building for weeks, with frustrations over the high cost of living simmering in the country.

Last week, two people died in similar protests.

The Kenya Law Society President Faith Odhiambo reported that 50 Kenyans, including her personal assistant, had been “abducted” by people believed to be police officers.

President William Ruto, who was outside the capital attending an African Union retreat, had earlier praised the young people who had come out to exercise their democratic duty and promised to engage with them on their concerns.

The controversial finance bill has been widely criticized for imposing new taxes on a country already struggling with poverty and inequality.

The protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until the bill is withdrawn.

The situation in Kenya remains tense, with reports of continued clashes between protesters and police.

The international community has called for calm and restraint, urging the government to listen to the concerns of its citizens.

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