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Kenya protesters ‘shot dead’ and fires started in parliament after controversial tax bill passes
Protesters in Kenya have reportedly been shot dead and fires started inside parliament after politicians voted in favour of a controversial tax bill.
At least 10 people were killed, according to paramedic Vivian Achista, after police opened fire when protesters entered the parliament compound.
Another paramedic said at least 50 more people were injured by the gunfire.
Images from the scene appear to show several motionless bodies on the ground.
Thousands were on the streets of Kenyan capital Nairobi on Tuesday to demand politicians vote against the new taxes.
Video from inside parliament showed tables and chairs overturned and smashed, while footage outside showed fires, tear gas and water cannon.
Protesters could be heard shouting “we’re coming for every politician” and some lawmakers were forced to flee parliament through a tunnel.
The office of Nairobi’s governor was also was set ablaze and unrest was reported in other towns and cities.
Former US President Barack Obama’s half sister, the Kenyan-British activist Auma Obama, was teargassed during a live interview with CNN.
Thousands protested in Kenyan capital Nairobi. Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
Police also sprayed water cannon at protesters. Pic: AP
The bill will introduce new taxes, including an eco-levy raising the price of goods like period products and nappies.
A proposal to tax bread was removed after public outcry – with many Kenyans frustrated over the rising cost of living in the East African country.
There have been protests at every reading of the bill, with Tuesday being the third and final round.
The country’s president, William Ruto, must now sign-off the law but can send it back to parliament if he has objections.
Demonstrators climb on a water cannon truck. Pic: Reuters
The Kenya Human Rights Commission shared a video of police shooting at protesters and said they would be held to account.
Addressing President Ruto, the commission wrote on social media: “The world is watching your descent into tyranny! Your regime’s actions is an assault on democracy.
“All those involved in the shooting – actively or passively – must be held to account.”
Pic: AP
Pic: Reuters
The president had earlier said he wanted to have dialogue with the protesters and was “proud” of them.
But security forces have been accused of abducting prominent Kenyans, especially those with large social media followings.
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The Kenya Law Society president, Faith Odhiambo, said 50 Kenyans, including her personal assistant, had been “abducted” by people believed to be police.
Kenyan broadcaster KTN News said authorities threatened to shut it down over its coverage of the protests, while internet services also experienced severe disruptions during the unrest, according to internet monitor Netblocks.
The unrest comes as around 200 Kenyan police landed in Haiti as part of a UN-backed contingent hoping to stabilise the country after months of unrest and gang violence.