The Kenyan parliament approved a contentious finance bill that raises taxes, amid widespread unrest in Nairobi and other cities where violent clashes between police and protesters occurred.

Eyewitnesses observed police using tear gas, water cannons, and firing shots above demonstrators' heads to disperse crowds. In response, protesters retaliated by throwing stones at security forces.

During the debate on the tax bill, riot police cordoned off the parliament building and State House, which accommodates the president's office and residence. Lawmakers approved the measures and adjourned, as demonstrators assembled outside the premises.

The protesters oppose the tax increases in a country already facing a significant cost-of-living crisis. Many demonstrators are also calling for President William Ruto's resignation.

Demonstrators in Kenya stormed parts of the parliament compound, setting sections of the building ablaze after clashes with police escalated following the passage of contentious legislation introducing additional taxes.

Violent protests in Nairobi resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals, according to a paramedic, as demonstrators clashed with police. Reports from a rights group indicated that police shot dead protesters near the parliament, where demonstrators breached barricades and a fire erupted.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission condemned the police killings, stating that four protesters were shot, resulting in one fatality. Meanwhile, outside parliament, a paramedic reported that at least 50 people were injured by gunfire during the tax protests as police confronted hundreds of demonstrators.

Police in Kenya responded to demonstrators with tear gas, water cannons, and firing shots over their heads to disperse crowds, while protesters retaliated by throwing stones at security forces.

Riot police secured the parliament and State House, where lawmakers debated a tax bill that was later approved before the session adjourned amidst protests outside.

The demonstrators are protesting against tax hikes in a country already grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis. Many are also demanding the resignation of President William Ruto.

President Ruto, elected nearly two years ago with a promise to support Kenya's working poor, faces pressure from lenders like the International Monetary Fund to reduce deficits for increased funding access, while balancing demands from a financially strained population.

Image source: Times of India