Protesters in Kenya have reportedly been shot dead and fires started inside parliament after politicians voted in favour of a controversial tax bill.
At least 10 people were killed, said paramedic Vivian Achista, after police opened fire when protesters overwhelmed them and entered the parliament compound.
Another paramedic said at least 50 more people were injured by the gunfire.
Images from the scene appear to show several motionless bodies on the ground.
Thousands were on the streets of the capital Nairobi on Tuesday to demand politicians vote against the new taxes.
Video from inside parliament showed tables and chairs overturned and smashed, while footage outside showed fires, tear gas and water cannons being used.
Protesters could be heard shouting “We’re coming for every politician” and some lawmakers were forced to flee parliament through a tunnel.
The office of Nairobi’s governor was also set ablaze and unrest was reported in other towns and cities.
Former US President Barack Obama‘s half-sister, the Kenyan-British activist Auma Obama, was teargassed during a live interview about the situation with CNN.
The bill will introduce new taxes, including an eco-levy raising the price of goods like period products and nappies.
Proposals to tax bread, cooking oil, car ownership and financial transactions were removed after a public outcry – with many Kenyans angry over the rising cost of living in the East African country.
There have been protests at every reading of the bill, with Tuesday being the third and final round.
The country’s president, William Ruto, must now sign off the law – but can still send it back to parliament if he has objections.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission shared a video of police shooting at protesters and said they must be held to account.
Addressing President Ruto, the commission wrote on social media: “The world is watching your descent into tyranny! Your regime’s actions is an assault on democracy.
“All those involved in the shooting – actively or passively – must be held to account.”
The president had earlier said he wanted to have dialogue with the protesters and was “proud” of them.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga called for the bill to be immediately withdrawn.
In a statement, he said: “I am disturbed at the murders, arrests, detentions and surveillance being perpetrated by police on boys and girls who are only seeking to be heard over taxation policies that are stealing both their present and future.
Security forces have been accused of abducting prominent Kenyans, especially those with large social media followings.
The Kenya Law Society president, Faith Odhiambo, said 50 Kenyans, including her personal assistant, had been “abducted” by people believed to be police.
SkyNews Report
