Kenyan Police fire live rounds at protesters as parliament passes controversial tax bill
In Nairobi, police have fired live rounds at protesters who attempted to storm Kenya’s legislature after lawmakers voted to pass a highly controversial finance bill that would increase taxes.
Despite the protests, legislators approved the bill, leading some to flee the chamber as protesters breached the parliament complex and set parts of the building on fire.
Police responded by using tear gas and water cannons before resorting to live ammunition.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, reported that at least five people have died from gunshot wounds, and 31 others have been injured.
They also expressed concern over 21 abductions and disappearances allegedly carried out by both uniformed and non-uniformed officers in the last 24 hours.
Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb, reporting from outside the parliament building, witnessed the body of a young man with a bullet wound in his forehead, noting heavy police and plainclothes security presence, some of whom were firing into the crowds.
Journalist Chris Samba claimed on social media that police had shot up to five people, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission posted a video showing officers shooting at protesters.
