Multiple Fatalities Reported During Storm on Kenya’s Parliament BuildingMultiple Fatalities Reported During Storm on Kenya’s Parliament Building Amidst violent protests against proposed tax increases in Kenya, a tragic storm engulfed the country’s parliament building, leading to multiple fatalities. Deadly Clashes and Police Violence On-screen footage showed protesters breaking through police barriers near parliament, prompting officers to fire their weapons. The Kenya Medical Association reported at least five fatalities and 31 injuries among the demonstrators. Tragically, aid workers attempting to assist the injured were also killed. Amnesty International condemned the police’s use of “progressive munitions of violence” against protesters. Scene of Chaos and Destruction Reporters on the scene witnessed unresponsive bodies soaked in blood on the ground in front of the parliament building. A small fire broke out inside one structure, while damaged and looted rooms, overturned furniture, and burning debris littered the complex. Fire at Governor’s Office Citizen TV aired images of a fire in the governor’s office building, near the parliament. Authorities used water cannons to extinguish the blaze. Internet Disruptions and Protests NetBlocks reported significant disruptions in internet connectivity during the riots. The protests, initially led by young adults, had spread across the country and continued despite the government’s partial withdrawal of proposed tax increases. Citizens’ Burden and Government’s Rationale Citizens expressed frustration over high living costs, while the government argued that tax increases were necessary to reduce debt and provide financial flexibility. Despite some concessions, protesters demanded a complete withdrawal of the measures, alleging government trickery. Kenya’s Economic Challenges Kenya’s economy is one of the fastest growing in Africa, but poverty remains a significant issue. The World Bank forecasts a slowdown in GDP growth, while inflation reached 5.1% in May. Related News: * [Link to other relevant article]**
Several fatalities occurred during the storm on the Kenyan parliament building
On screen, crowds broke through police barriers near parliament, prompting officers to fire their weapons. The Kenya Medical Association reported at least five fatalities and 31 injuries among the protesters. Tragically, several deaths occurred while aid was being provided to the injured. Amnesty International’s Irungu Houghton stated that police resorted to “progressive munitions of violence” against the protesters.
Associated Press reporters at the scene observed several unresponsive bodies, soaked in blood, on the ground in front of the parliament building. A brief fire broke out in one parliament building. Photos of the complex showed damaged and looted rooms, overturned furniture, smashed windows and scattered burning debris on the lawns.
Citizen TV broadcast images of a fire in the governor’s office building, just a few hundred meters from the legislature. Authorities reportedly used water cannons to extinguish the fire.
Based on live network data, networking organization NetBlocks reported a more substantial disruption of web connections in Kenya during the riots.
These protests against the government’s planned tax increases started a week earlier in the capital Nairobi and then spread across the country. Initially led by young adults, the protests were joined by different age groups.
The citizens of this East African country are burdened with exorbitant living costs. The government reasoned that the proposed tax increases were necessary to cover the country’s colossal debts and provide the state with additional flexibility.
Earlier in mid-June, the government had withdrawn a significant portion of proposed tax increases due to the protests. For example, the planned increase in value added tax (VAT) to 16% for bread, financial services and currency exchange, as well as the introduction of a new car tax, were scrapped. President William Ruto stated in Parliament that MPs had “heard the people” and “changed the proposals”.
Despite the partial withdrawal of the tax increase, demonstrations under the banner of ‘Occupy Parliament’ continued. The demonstrators demand the complete withdrawal of the measures and accuse the government of tricks. For example, they suspect that the government wants to compensate for the loss of some tax increases with other measures, such as a 50% increase in fuel taxes.
Current Kenyan leader Ruto campaigned for office in 2022 as a representative of the lower-income population. Yet last year, several people were killed during protests against tax increases in Kenya.
Kenya stands out as one of Africa’s fastest developing economies, yet about a third of its population lives in poverty. According to World Bank forecasts, the growth rate is expected to slow to around 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by the end of the year. Inflation was 5.1% in May.
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