Deadly protests erupt over tax hikes in Kenya's capital
At least 10 people were killed on Tuesday outside the parliament in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, during the suppression of protests against a bill introducing new taxes, according to medical services quoted by Reuters. The same source stated that at least 50 people were injured. Among the wounded is the sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama.
Local television station KNT News previously reported eight fatalities, while the Kenyan Human Rights Commission (KHRC) stated on X that "the police opened fire on four demonstrators."
Chaos on the streets of Nairobi
According to AP, thousands of protesters stormed the parliament grounds, and part of the building was set on fire while deputies fled.
According to CNN, during a live report, the police attacked a group of people with tear gas, including Kenyan activist Auma Obama – the sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama.
The authorities brought the military to the streets, which – according to local media – is shooting live ammunition at the protesters.
"Why are you killing us?" said one of the protesters in a recording. Gunfire can be heard in the background. Black smoke billows everywhere. The man added that at that very moment, two people had been shot.
Mass protests in Kenya are about new taxes
According to the BBC, thousands of demonstrators clashed with the police, and security officers fired rubber bullets and used tear gas. Protests also took place in other cities and towns across the country.
Protesters, led by youth activists, called on parliamentarians to reject the proposed tax increases. The government, which pulled back on some of the most controversial measures, argues that the new taxes are necessary to finance spending programs and reduce debt.
