Kenya’s president has declared the storming of parliament a national security threat and vowed to prevent such unrest from happening again “at whatever cost.” This comes after thousands of protesters ransacked parliament in opposition to a new finance bill, setting parts of the building on fire and forcing legislators to flee. The violent demonstration was one of the most direct challenges to the government in decades.
The chaotic scene resulted in multiple casualties, with reports of at least three deaths outside and five more within the complex. The unrest spread to other cities, prompting a swift government response.
The protest stemmed from opposition to the new tax measures imposed by the bill in Kenya’s economic hub, fueling frustration over high living costs. Despite public outcry, lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, triggering further clashes between protesters and police.
The situation escalated with the military being called in to assist police, viewing it as a “security emergency.” The events marked a turning point in how national security threats are perceived and handled in the country.