Kenyan police resorted to firing live rounds at demonstrators in Nairobi on Tuesday as anger mounted over a controversial finance bill that has triggered widespread protests. The situation turned violent as protesters stormed the parliament, leading to the theft of the ceremonial mace, a symbol of authority in civic ceremonies. Lawmakers managed to escape through an underground channel to the nearby government building of Bunge Towers as clashes between police and protesters escalated.
During the protests, Auma Obama, the half-sister of former US President Barack Obama, was teargassed by police while giving an interview live on air. The demonstrations, organized under the banner of “7 Days of Rage,” are in response to proposed tax hikes outlined in the Finance Bill 2024. President William Ruto has expressed a desire for dialogue with the protesters and has commended their actions, although security forces have been accused of abducting several prominent individuals, including bloggers, content creators, and human rights defenders.
