At least three individuals are feared dead, and several others have sustained gunshot injuries following a violent confrontation between anti-riot police and demonstrators opposing the Finance Bill 2024 in Nairobi.
The unrest escalated when the protesters advanced towards Parliament, where lawmakers were deliberating the contentious Bill.
The chaos unfolded when demonstrators, angered by the Bill's provisions, attempted to storm Parliament Buildings.
Police deployed to maintain order resorted to teargas and gunfire to disperse the crowd.
The exact number of those injured remains unconfirmed, though eyewitness reports indicated several were seen writhing on the ground, bleeding profusely.
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"People have been shot, it is very bad," one protester was heard yelling as they fled from the thick clouds of teargas deployed by the police.
Adding to the chaos, a police truck parked just outside the Parliament fence was also set on fire.
The scene was described as unprecedented by many onlookers. "We have never seen this before, God save Kenya," a witness exclaimed, running and screaming amidst the pandemonium.
The anti-Finance Bill protest, initially peaceful, turned violent after police opened fire and demonstrators stormed the National Assembly following the Bill's approval. Nairobi police chief, Adamson Bungei, confirmed that at least three protesters were shot outside the Parliament Buildings as they clashed with police.
Additionally, four other individuals were injured and subsequently transported by ambulances for medical treatment.
The situation remains tense, with the fate of the injured protesters still unknown.
The incident marks a significant escalation in the public's opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, raising concerns about further unrest in the days to come.
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