At least 13 protesters were killed during protests in Kenya, doctors say, and a section of parliament went up in flames as demonstrations against new tax proposals escalated on Tuesday. An angry crowd broke through police lines to storm parliament in the capital Nairobi before setting parts of it braze.
In an address on Tuesday evening, President William Ruto said all means would be deployed to “thwart any attempts by dangerous criminals to undermine the security and stability of our country”.
He has deployed the military to quell the protests.
Several groups have accused the security forces of over-reacting by using live ammunition.
Simon Kigondu, president of the Kenya Medical Association, told the AFP news agency that the figure of 13 deaths was not the final number.
Protesters against an unpopular finance bill, which includes several tax rises, have been ongoing for days, but they escalated on Tuesday as MPs passed an amended bill.
Protesters broke into parliament, vandalising the interior and setting parts of the complex on fire. The ceremonial mace, symbolising the authority of the legislature, was stolen.
Police then opened fire with live ammunition, according to the Kenya Medical Association.
On Wednesday morning Speaker of Parliament Moses Wetangula praised young people for leading the the discourse on the finance bill and the state of the economy.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta urged dialogue, saying kenyan’s leaders should know that power and authority is donated to them by the people.
23-yerr-old Maureen Awuor said: our voice must be heard…… we are generation that is coming up, so they need to hear us.
