US urges restraint, mourns loss of life after police fire on Kenya protesters

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US urged restraint and mourned the loss of life Tuesday after at least 10 people were killed when Kenyan police opened fire on a group of protesters who were attempting to storm the country's parliament.

"We mourn the loss of life and injuries sustained, and offer our condolences to the families who lost loved ones. We urge restraint to restore order and provide space for dialogue," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters.

Kenya’s Defense Minister Aden Duale deployed the military to deal with a “security emergency” Tuesday evening after violent demonstrations against tax hikes claimed 10 lives in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. Dozens more were injured.

“This is in response to the security emergency caused by ongoing violent protests in various parts of the country,” Duale said.

Thousands of youth stormed parliament in the Kenyan capital sending lawmakers scampering in fear. Police cars were torched and shops and businesses were looted and vandalized.

Helicopters were also seen flying low around the capital Nairobi.

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