By Ido Vock and Basillioh Rukanga, BBC News
Protests against new tax proposals in Kenya turned violent as at least five protesters were shot dead by police and parliament went up in flames. President William Ruto deployed the military to quell the escalating demonstrations.
Angry crowds stormed parliament, vandalizing and setting parts of it on fire, leading to clashes with the police. The violence erupted following the passing of an amended finance bill that included several tax hikes, sparking outrage among citizens.
Despite some concessions by the government, protesters demanded the complete withdrawal of the bill. The protests have garnered international attention, with support from prominent figures like Bobi Wine and Julius Malema. Western countries have expressed concern over the situation and called for calm.
Hundreds were injured in the clashes, with doctors being forced out of a medical camp set up in a cathedral by soldiers. Former president Uhuru Kenyatta called for dialogue amidst the chaos, emphasizing the importance of listening to the people’s voices.