Kenya Protests Turn Deadly as Parliament Stormed Over Tax Bill

NAIROBI, Kenya – Protests against a controversial tax bill escalated dramatically on Tuesday as demonstrators stormed Kenya’s parliament building in Nairobi, setting parts of it on fire and clashing violently with police. At least ten people have been confirmed dead and dozens more injured in what has become the most direct assault on the Kenyan government in decades.

In response to the escalating crisis, President William Ruto delivered a stern national address, vowing to quell the "treasonous" events with a firm security response and announcing the deployment of the military to restore order. The day's chaotic events mark a critical turning point for a youth-led protest movement that had, until now, remained largely peaceful.

A Day of Rage in Nairobi

The demonstrations, part of a movement dubbed "Occupy Parliament," began peacefully on Tuesday morning. Thousands of mostly young Kenyans gathered to voice their opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, which they argue will exacerbate an already severe cost-of-living crisis.

The situation spiraled out of control in the afternoon after lawmakers passed the bill. Crowds overwhelmed police barricades, breached the parliamentary complex, and set a section of the building ablaze. Live television broadcasts showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the structure as protesters chanted anti-government slogans. Police responded with tear gas and, according to eyewitnesses and human rights groups, live ammunition.

"The police have shot at, injured, and killed protesters," the Kenya Human Rights Commission said in a statement. "We strongly condemn the police action. Such actions are unacceptable and a grave violation of human rights."

The Contentious Finance Bill

At the heart of the unrest is the Finance Bill 2024, a key component of President Ruto's plan to raise an additional $2.7 billion in taxes to service the country's substantial national debt. The bill initially included taxes on essential items like bread and cooking oil, as well as new duties on motor vehicles and financial transactions.

While the government scrapped some of the most contentious clauses last week in an attempt to placate the public, the amendments were not enough to satisfy protesters. They argue that the remaining tax hikes will still place an unbearable burden on ordinary citizens already struggling with high inflation and unemployment. The government maintains that the tax measures are necessary to stabilize the economy and avoid over-reliance on external borrowing.

Unprecedented Violence and a Firm Response

The storming of parliament is an unprecedented event in Kenya's post-colonial history. Inside the complex, protesters vandalized the chambers, smashing windows and furniture before parts of the building were set on fire. The ceremonial mace, a symbol of parliamentary authority, was reportedly stolen during the chaos.

Medical organizations, including the Kenya Medical Association, reported treating dozens of people for serious injuries, with many suffering from gunshot wounds. The death toll is expected to rise as more information becomes available.

In his evening address, President Ruto adopted a hardline stance, framing the protests as a threat to national security. "It is not in order, or even conceivable, that criminals pretending to be peaceful protesters can reign terror against the people," Ruto said. He announced that the military would be deployed to support the police, a move that has raised concerns among civil society groups about a potential for further escalation and state-sanctioned violence.

The events present the most significant challenge to President Ruto's administration since he took office in 2022. The leaderless, youth-driven nature of the protests, organized primarily through social media platforms like TikTok and X, represents a new political dynamic in a country where demonstrations have historically been tied to specific political or ethnic leaders. The standoff between a defiant youth movement and a government vowing a crackdown leaves Kenya in a precarious and uncertain position.