Kenyan protesters have stormed the Senate chambers inside the Parliament building, voicing their vehement opposition to the proposed Finance Bill 2024.
The chaotic scenes unfolded on Tuesday afternoon, with social media platform X flooded with videos capturing the intensity and chaos around the parliament building.
According to reports, at least two bodies were seen lying on the ground outside Parliament, following reports of police using live ammunition to disperse the crowds.
At least 2 bodies are lying on the ground after we heard police using live rounds outside Parliament pic.twitter.com/eIxOrygj4s
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) June 25, 2024
The exact circumstances leading to the fatalities remain unclear, but eyewitness accounts and video footage suggest a brutal crackdown on the demonstrators.
Reports also showed inside the Parliament building where the protesters took control of the cafeteria, feasting and occupying the space as a symbolic act of defiance.
Kenyan protestors invade the Parliament cafeteria and begin feasting. pic.twitter.com/jqXyK7vYS9
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) June 25, 2024
The protests, organised under the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024, have drawn thousands of Kenyans from various walks of life.
They argue that the proposed bill would impose undue financial burdens on the struggling populace, exacerbating economic hardships.
One particularly harrowing video circulating on X shows female protesters outside the Parliament buildings crying out, “Why are you beating us?” after being assaulted by police officers.
The clip has sparked outrage, highlighting the heavy-handed tactics used by law enforcement against peaceful demonstrators.
Scenes of aftermath inside Parliament as protestors storm buildings pic.twitter.com/mdHh0VtC5v
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) June 25, 2024
Despite the scale and intensity of the protests, legacy media outlets have largely refrained from broadcasting footage of the events. This perceived media blackout has only fueled the protesters’ resolve, with many turning to social media to document and share real-time updates.
The Finance Bill 2024, which has sparked such widespread outrage, includes measures critics say will lead to increased taxes and cost of living.
The government, however, insists that the bill is necessary to stabilise the economy and fund critical infrastructure projects.
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