UPDATE - 10 killed in Kenyan capital as police open fire on protesters storming parliament

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS, INTERNET DISRUPTION, AMNESTY STATEMENT​​​​​​​ --- ENTIRE STORY WITH NEW DETAILS

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – At least 10 people were killed, and dozens more injured on Tuesday when police opened fire on hundreds of protesters who stormed the parliament compound in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, in protest of the recent legislation passed by lawmakers to increase taxes.

A Red Cross volunteer who spoke to Anadolu on the condition of anonymity said at least 10 people were killed, with the number of casualties likely to rise as several injured people are being treated for gunshot wounds.

"Dozens have been injured, and the death toll is likely to rise,” he said.

“The situation is dire, and we’re struggling to provide adequate medical assistance as it’s worsening,” he added.

In a chaotic situation, protesters were seen inside the parliament building, standing on top of the speaker's chair, with pockets of fire burning outside, including a police vehicle. Angry youths also set fire to parts of parliament and the Nairobi governor's office in the capital complex.

Lawmakers were forced to seek refuge in underground tunnels as the demonstrators breached the security perimeter.

However, neither the police nor the government issued any statement regarding the casualties suffered during the nationwide protest, which began last Tuesday and was led by the youth organization Generation Z.

There is a major disruption in internet services across the country due to violent protests against tax hikes and that many people are unable to access the X social media platform, an Anadolu reporter confirmed.

Protesters have looted shops and businesses in several parts of the country, according to local media.

In various cities, including Nairobi, Eldoret, and Kisumu, storeowners reported significant losses as looters smashed windows, stole merchandise, and vandalized property amid the chaos.

Meanwhile, a statement from Amnesty International's Kenya chapter confirmed the deaths of five people.

According to a statement, 31 people have been injured, with 13 shot with live bullets and four hit by rubber bullets.

- Opposition demands end to killings

Meanwhile, Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has urged the government to stop killing Kenyan "children" and withdraw the Finance Bill 2024.

Kenya cannot afford to kill its children simply because they ask for food, jobs, and a listening ear, Odinga said at a press conference.

“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," he added.