Multiple deaths reported as police clash with anti-tax protesters in Kenya

ABC:

LONDON — Police allegedly fired live ammunition at anti-government protesters in Kenya‘s capital on Tuesday, as thousands of people demonstrated against proposed tax hikes in the East African nation.

Mathias Kinyoda, spokesperson for Amnesty International in Kenya, told ABC News the death toll from Tuesday’s clashes between police and protesters in Nairobi was at least eight people, but said it was still too early to say with certainty.

Images and videos circulating online purportedly show several protesters with bullet wounds in the Kenyan capital.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission posted video on the social media platform X showing police shooting at protesters as they marched near Nairobi City Hall. The watchdog body said its staff witnessed at least one protester die from the gunshots.

“We strongly condemn the police killing,” the Kenya Human Rights Commission wrote in a post on X. “Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a grave violation of human rights. Justice and accountability are imperative. We will vigorously push for police accountability.”

Scores of protesters were seen breaching the complex housing Kenya’s Parliament, where lawmakers had just voted to approve a contentious finance bill that raises some taxes. A section of the building was set on fire, forcing lawmakers to evacuate.