Kenya in Chaos: Police Open Fire on Protesters Storming Parliament

In a dramatic turn of events, Kenya descended into chaos on Tuesday as police fired on demonstrators attempting to storm the parliament, resulting in at least five deaths. The protests, ignited by a controversial bill to raise taxes, have plunged the nation into turmoil and put President William Ruto’s leadership under intense scrutiny.

In the capital Nairobi, scenes of chaos unfolded as protesters overwhelmed police forces, chasing them away in an attempt to breach the parliament compound. Citizen TV footage revealed the aftermath: a partially ablaze building with significant damage. Demonstrations erupted in several other cities and towns, with many protesters calling for Ruto’s resignation and voicing fierce opposition to the tax hikes.

In a televised address, President Ruto condemned the protests, accusing “dangerous people” of hijacking the tax debate. “It is not in order, or even conceivable, that criminals pretending to be peaceful protesters can reign terror against the people,” Ruto declared, promising a swift and decisive response to what he labeled “treasonous events.” Police resorted to firing live ammunition after tear gas and water cannons failed to disperse the crowds, eventually clearing the parliament building and evacuating lawmakers through an underground tunnel.

Defense Minister Aden Duale announced the deployment of the army to assist the police in handling what he described as a “security emergency.” This escalation marks a significant turn in the government’s response to the unrest, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The Kenya Medical Association reported at least five fatalities from gunshot wounds, with a total of 31 injuries, including 13 from live bullets and four from rubber bullets. The association urged authorities to establish safe medical corridors to ensure the safety of medical staff and ambulances amidst the violence.

Ruto, who campaigned on a platform of supporting Kenya’s working poor, now finds himself caught between the demands of international lenders like the International Monetary Fund and a population struggling with economic hardships. The proposed finance bill aims to raise an additional $2.7 billion in taxes to address Kenya’s heavy debt burden, but has faced vehement opposition from the public.

The White House has expressed close monitoring of the situation, urging calm and restraint. Ambassadors from Britain, the U.S., and Germany issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the violence and calling for all parties to exercise restraint. Amidst the unrest, internet services across Kenya experienced severe disruptions, adding to the chaos.

Senior opposition leader Eugene Wamalwa and Raila Odinga have called for President Ruto to step down, with Odinga emphasizing the need for dialogue and the withdrawal of the finance bill. “I am disturbed at the murders, arrests, detentions, and surveillance being perpetrated by police on boys and girls who are only seeking to be heard over taxation policies that are stealing both their present and future,” Odinga stated.

The protests, initially focused on the finance bill, have evolved into a broader movement demanding Ruto’s resignation. This youth-led movement, lacking a formal leader, has grown bolder in its demands and shows no signs of backing down despite the government’s concessions, which have failed to placate the demonstrators.

Kenya’s sovereign dollar bonds experienced a sharp decline amidst the unrest, with the 2034 maturity trading significantly lower. The economic ramifications of the ongoing protests add another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.

As Kenya grapples with the fallout from Tuesday’s violent protests, the country stands at a crossroads. The government’s heavy-handed response and the mounting death toll have only fueled public anger and resistance. With international calls for restraint and dialogue growing louder, the coming days will be crucial in determining the future course of this deeply divided nation.