Kenya Explodes in Violence as Protesters Breach the Parliament Building
Kenya exploded in violence on Tuesday as demonstrators clashed with police officers in the streets and stormed the national Parliament building after lawmakers passed a bill to increase taxes.
Columns of thick smoke poured out of the Parliament compound. Protesters furious about tax hikes included in the finance bill hurled rocks and blocked roads.
The protests paralyzed Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, and images of demonstrators swarming the Parliament and getting inside the gated compound shocked the nation. More than 30 protesters were hurt and at least five were killed, according to several civic groups.
The protests have spread across the country to Nakuru, Mombasa, Eldoret and other urban areas. Kenya is deep in debt and the government says it needs to raise taxes. But many Kenyans say they can’t afford the proposed increases on imported staples like eggs, onions and cooking oil.
Crowds of protesters in Nairobi.
Protesters holding up signs and chanting at police officers in downtown Nairobi.
Protesters scattering as Kenyan police officers spray water at them from a cannon.
Protesters carrying an unconscious man.
Kenyan police officers and security personnel defending the Kenyan Parliament.
CreditCredit…Courtesy of Citizen TV
Protesters storming Kenya’s Parliament compound.
Protesters running to take cover outside the Kenyan Parliament after storming the compound.
A tear-gas canister exploding as protesters try to help injured people outside Kenya’s Parliament.
Anti-riot police officers responding to protesters in Nairobi.
Protesters holding up a bullet casing.
A military vehicle burning outside of the Parliament.
Protesters carrying an injured man outside Kenya’s Parliament compound.
