Part of Kenya’s parliament building caught fire on Tuesday as thousands of protesters stormed the complex, forcing legislators to flee in what is considered the most direct assault on the government in decades.
Journalists reported seeing at least three bodies outside the building where police had opened fire. The protesters, demanding a vote against a controversial finance bill that imposes new taxes, entered parliament shortly after legislators passed the bill. Lawmakers escaped through a tunnel, but opposition legislators who voted against the bill were allowed to leave by the protesters.
Nearby, the office of the Nairobi governor, a ruling party member, was also on fire. Police used water cannons to extinguish the flames. Protesters could be heard shouting, “We’re coming for every politician.”
Police fired live ammunition and tear gas at protesters seeking medical treatment at a church near the parliament complex. The Kenya Human Rights Commission shared a video of officers shooting at protesters, vowing to hold them accountable. Two people died in similar protests last week.
Kenya Law Society President, Faith Odhiambo stated that 50 Kenyans, including her personal assistant, had been “abducted” by individuals believed to be police officers. Civil society groups reported that vocal demonstrators were taken from their homes, workplaces, and public spaces ahead of Tuesday’s protests.
Police officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Parliament Speaker Moses Wetangula directed the inspector general of police to provide information on those the opposition claimed were abducted.
President William Ruto, who was attending an African Union retreat outside the capital, expressed pride in the young people exercising their democratic rights and pledged to engage with the youth on their concerns.
