Kenya deploys military against demonstrators

Police have fired live rounds at demonstrators in Kenya's capital Nairobi. At least five people have been killed and a further number have been injured. The military has been called in to quell what the president calls "anarchy".

» Updated:

» Published:

Kenya deploys military against demonstrators
Photo: Brian Inganga/AP/TT

Share this article

Police have fired live rounds at demonstrators in Kenya's capital, Nairobi. At least five people have been killed and many more injured.

The military has been called in to quell what the president calls "anarchy".

Thousands of people, mostly students, broke through police barriers and stormed Kenya's parliament on Tuesday, where the chamber was due to vote on a controversial tax increase.

During the storming, several demonstrators were shot by police, according to multiple media reports. At least five, but according to the BBC, around ten, people have died and many more were injured.

Before the police resorted to live ammunition, they fired rubber bullets, tear gas, and used water cannons against the demonstrators. Reuters reports at least 50 injured.

This is the youth of Kenya making themselves heard. They are using tear gas against us, but we don't care, says demonstrator Elizabeth Nyaberi to AFP.

Promises tough action

Both the parliament and Nairobi's city hall were set on fire, but the fires were extinguished before the buildings suffered major damage.

President William Ruto promised tough action against "violence and anarchy" at a press conference, and the government called in the military in the evening to assist the police.

We will respond quickly and effectively to today's treasonous events, said Ruto.

The unpopular tax increase was passed despite the turmoil, but Ruto has not yet signed the law, according to KTN News.

The largely youth- and student-led protests began last week.

Many arrested

Before Tuesday's protests, at least two people had been killed and over 200 injured in connection with the protests. Many have been arrested, according to Amnesty International in Kenya.

We demand an end to police violence, respect for our constitutional rights, and the freedom to raise our voices without fear of being arrested or injured, said demonstrator Hanifa Adan to AFP.

The protests have continued to grow in scope and spread to the cities of Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret.

"Despite the government's assurances that the right to demonstrate would be protected and respected, today's protests have degenerated into violence", wrote several human rights organisations in a joint statement.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

UN Investigator Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza Strip

UN Investigator Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza Strip

Ukrainian Children Taken to Over 210 Locations in Russia and Occupied Areas

Ukrainian Children Taken to Over 210 Locations in Russia and Occupied Areas

Trump and Zelenskyj Likely to Meet in New York Next Week

Trump and Zelenskyj Likely to Meet in New York Next Week

Trump Sues New York Times for $15 Billion in Defamation Case

Trump Sues New York Times for $15 Billion in Defamation Case

Trump Urges Orbán to Stop Russian Oil Imports Amid EU Sanctions Talks

Trump Urges Orbán to Stop Russian Oil Imports Amid EU Sanctions Talks

Over 50 Killed in Gang Attacks North of Haiti's Capital

Over 50 Killed in Gang Attacks North of Haiti's Capital

Russian Attacks in Ukraine Leave Two Dead and Nine Injured

Russian Attacks in Ukraine Leave Two Dead and Nine Injured

Nigerian Chef Hilda Baci Sets World Record with Jollof Rice

Nigerian Chef Hilda Baci Sets World Record with Jollof Rice

Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza City Amid Intensified Airstrikes

Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza City Amid Intensified Airstrikes

White House Vows Action Against Left-Wing Extremism After Kirk's Death

White House Vows Action Against Left-Wing Extremism After Kirk's Death

US Dismisses Israeli Attacks on Qatar Amid Tensions

US Dismisses Israeli Attacks on Qatar Amid Tensions

Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis Amid Crime Concerns

Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis Amid Crime Concerns

Trump Announces US Attack on Venezuela Narcotics Boat

Trump Announces US Attack on Venezuela Narcotics Boat

UN Reports Over 250 Journalists Killed in Gaza Conflict

UN Reports Over 250 Journalists Killed in Gaza Conflict

Drone Incident Over Polish Presidential Palace Leads to Arrests

Drone Incident Over Polish Presidential Palace Leads to Arrests

British Fighter Jets Join NATO Air Defense in Poland

British Fighter Jets Join NATO Air Defense in Poland

Spain Criticizes Israel Amid Protests and Government Actions

Spain Criticizes Israel Amid Protests and Government Actions

Former Soldier Faces Trial for 1972 Bloody Sunday Killings

Former Soldier Faces Trial for 1972 Bloody Sunday Killings

Channel 4 to Air Special on Trump's False Claims During UK Visit

Channel 4 to Air Special on Trump's False Claims During UK Visit

Starmer Criticizes Musk's Speech as Dangerous and Inflammatory

Starmer Criticizes Musk's Speech as Dangerous and Inflammatory