Kenyan Parliament Ablaze Amidst Anti-Tax Protests

Thousands of Kenyan anti-tax protesters stormed the parliament, setting part of it on fire. The protest was against a controversial finance bill proposing new taxes. There were no immediate casualties, but last week's protests resulted in two deaths. Law enforcement's use of live ammunition has raised significant human rights concerns.

Thousands of anti-tax protesters in Kenya stormed parliament today, igniting part of the building amid escalating unrest over a controversial finance bill. Lawmakers swiftly evacuated as the chaos unfolded.

Earlier, police in Nairobi resorted to live ammunition to disperse the demonstrators, who demanded legislators reject the proposed tax hikes included in the bill. This wave of protest follows last week's demonstrations, which resulted in two fatalities, though there were no immediate reports of new casualties today.

Emergency medical shelters, supported by local donations, were established in various cities to manage potential injuries. Amid the turmoil, the Kenya Human Rights Commission posted a video of police firing at protesters, warning government officials about accountability.

In a stern message to President William Ruto, the commission condemned the government's actions as an assault on democracy. Disturbingly, the Kenya Law Society reported 50 individuals, including its president's assistant, were allegedly abducted by presumed police officers, highlighting claims of extrajudicial actions and torture.

As civil society groups reported the disappearance of vocal protesters, Parliament Speaker Moses Wetangula demanded an investigation from the police inspector general into these allegations.

President Ruto, currently at an African Union retreat, lauded young citizens' democratic engagement and vowed to address their concerns. His comments come amid mounting tension and international scrutiny of Kenya's handling of the unrest.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)