NAIROBI,Kenya-Kenya’s President William Ruto has declared a state of emergency following violent protests against a new tax bill, where demonstrators stormed parliament and set parts of the building on fire on June 25.
Describing the attack on parliament as a “national security threat,” Ruto vowed that such unrest would not be tolerated “at any cost,” according to AP.
Hundreds of anti-tax protesters breached Kenya’s Parliament in Nairobi, setting fires amid clashes with police. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Kenya Medical Association, report at least five protesters were killed by police gunfire.
The Defence Minister announced that the military was deployed to aid the police in the escalating “security emergency.”
The Kenya Human Rights Commission shared a video showing officers firing at protesters and urged Ruto to immediately order an end to the violence, as reported by ABC News.
The protests demand the cancellation of the finance bill, which introduces new taxes affecting citizens already strained by high living costs and soaring prices for essentials in East Africa’s economic hub.
After the bill’s passage, lawmakers narrowly escaped through a tunnel under parliament while protesters stormed the building and started fires.
Protests and clashes with police have erupted in several other cities and towns across the country, including attempts to storm the State House in Nakuru and clashes in Kisumu. Mombasa’s governor reportedly supported protesters outside his office, while ruling party offices were burned in Embu, according to the Nation newspaper.
Earlier, tensions flared when parliament approved the contentious tax reforms despite mounting street protests.
Ruto, commenting on the escalating violence, blamed “criminals” for hijacking the demonstrations, warning that they posed a threat to the nation’s sovereignty.
Kenyan police used live ammunition earlier in the day, injuring dozens as protests spun out of control against the tax reforms. They deployed tear gas in attempts to restore order.
Amnesty International reported numerous injuries among protesters, with the Kenya Medical Association confirming at least 30 wounded, including 13 with gunshot wounds.
Reports from Nairobi indicate chaos in the city centre, with Reuters and paramedics confirming multiple fatalities and numerous injuries.
Ruto, currently attending an African Union retreat outside Nairobi, remains outside the immediate crisis but faces a mounting domestic crisis upon his return.
