At least 13 people have been shot dead and 31 were wounded in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi after police opened fire on demonstrators trying to storm the country’s parliament. Sections of the parliament building and Nairobi City Hall were set ablaze.
The background: Demonstrators were protesting against Kenyan President William Ruto’s plans to raise fuel prices and export taxes. Days of protest across the country had been largely peaceful until chaos erupted in Nairobi on Tuesday.
The key quote: “Today, Kenya experienced an unprecedented attack on its democracy, rule of law, and the integrity of its constitutional institutions.” — President William Ruto.
What else to know: Amnesty International’s Kenya chapter posted on social media platform X on Tuesday that “the pattern of policing protests is deteriorating fast”, urging the government to respect demonstrators’ right to assembly. Rights watchdogs have also accused the authorities of abducting protesters.
What happens next: Ruto has vowed to take a tough line against “violence and anarchy” as he pushes ahead with the tax hikes.
Source Agencies
