On Tuesday, protesters stormed Kenya’s parliament compound after overwhelming police and subsequently set sections of the compound ablaze. The protesters’ action was to vent their displeasure over lawmakers’ decision to pass a controversial finance bill proposing new taxes. Police opened fire on the demonstrators after tear gas and water cannons failed, resulting in at least five deaths. Protesters, angered by the tax hikes amid a severe cost-of-living crisis, aimed to shut down parliament and demanded resignations of MPs and President William Ruto. The finance bill, aimed at raising $2.7 billion to manage Kenya’s debt, has faced strong opposition despite government concessions on taxes for bread, cooking oil, car ownership, and financial transactions. The bill now awaits the president’s approval or return to parliament for revisions.
SOURCE: SABC
