NAIROBI: Nairobi descended into chaos and violence as initially peaceful protests against government tax legislation turned violent and into a full-scale confrontation between demonstrators and police forces.
Centered around the Kenyan parliament building, the clashes resulted in at least 13 fatalities, according to paramedics on the scene. The unrest culminated in a section of the parliament building being set ablaze, escalating tensions that had been simmering for days.
Amidst billowing smoke and the crackle of gunfire, the once-stately precinct turned into a battleground as protesters clashed with riot police, who responded with live rounds and tear gas.
Eyewitnesses described a tense standoff, with demonstrators, predominantly from Kenya’s youthful generation, rallying against proposed tax hikes that have fueled widespread discontent over the country’s soaring cost of living.
“This is no longer just a protest; it’s a battle zone,” remarked Irungu Houghton, executive director of Amnesty International Kenya, highlighting the escalating use of force by authorities. “The streets of Nairobi are now stained with the tragedy of lives lost.”
Earlier in the day, President William Ruto had expressed openness to dialogue with the demonstrators, who had initially staged peaceful rallies calling for the repeal of the contentious finance bill. However, tensions peaked as protesters breached barricades and surged towards the parliament complex, met with a stern and forceful police response.
As dusk settled over a city gripped by turmoil, emergency responders struggled to reach the wounded amidst ongoing clashes, with calls for urgent medical access echoing through the chaos.
The events mark a stark escalation in Kenya’s recent wave of social unrest, driven by economic grievances that resonate deeply with the nation’s youth. With the parliament building still smoldering and the toll of casualties mounting, the repercussions of today’s violence are certain to reverberate through the country’s political landscape in the days to come.
