Police opened fire as protesters attempted to storm Kenya's parliament compound on Tuesday (June 25), amid protests against proposed tax hikes that brought thousands onto the streets.

Nairobi

Several protesters were shot dead outside Kenya's parliament amid demonstrations against proposed tax hikes. Inside, Kenyan lawmakers approved the contentious finance bill that seeks to raise $2.7 billion in revenues. The opposition to the legislation had brought thousands onto the streets across the country.

Police were overwhelmed by the protesters as they attempted to storm the parliament compound. Flames were seen coming from inside the building. Police opened fire after tear gas and water cannon failed to disperse the crowds.

Protesters opposed the tax increases in a country already facing a cost-of-living crisis. Many citizens are now calling for President William Ruto to step down. Ruto is struggling to balance the demands of the population and lenders like the International Monetary Fund, which is urging the government to cut deficits to gain more funding.

Interest payments on Kenya's heavy debt burden consume 37% of annual revenue. The government has made some concessions with the bill, which was sent for a third reading. This includes promising to scrap proposed new taxes on bread, cooking oil, car ownership, and financial transactions. However, these concessions have not been enough to satisfy the protesters.



Several shot dead amid Kenya protests

Several protesters were shot dead outside Kenya's parliament on Tuesday, amid demonstrations against proposed tax hikes. Inside, Kenyan lawmakers had, at its second reading, approved the contentious finance bill that seeks to raise $2.7 billion in revenues. Opposition to the legislation had brought thousands onto the streets across the country. Police were overwhelmed by protesters as they attempted to storm the parliament compound. Flames could be seen coming from inside. Police opened fire after tear gas and water cannon failed to disperse the crowds. The protesters opposed tax rises in a country already reeling from a cost-of-living crisis. Many are now calling for President William Ruto to step down. Ruto has been caught between the competing demands of the population and lenders like the International Monetary Fund, which is urging the government to cut deficits to access more funding. That's as he struggles to tackle Kenya's heavy debt burden, with interest payments alone consuming 37% of annual revenue. The government has already made some concessions with the bill, which was sent for a third reading on Tuesday. That includes promising to scrap proposed new taxes on bread, cooking oil, car ownership and financial transactions. But that has not been enough to satisfy protesters.

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