Several people have been shot dead by police officers outside the Parliament buildings in Nairobi.
The protestors had overpowered the anti-riot officers who barricaded the roads leading to parliament buildings.
The police officers were forced to fire live bullets to stop the irate Kenyans from gaining access to Parliament where MPs are discussing the Finance Bill 2024. Several others were injured and picked up by ambulances and rushed to hospital for medical attention.
“Police have shot four protesters, as witnessed by KHRC, killing one. We strongly condemn the police killing. Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a grave violation of human rights.
“Justice and accountability are imperative. We will vigorously push for police accountability,” the Kenya Human Rights Commission said in a statement. MPs in the parliament buildings were forced to take cover and others evacuated during the melee.
This comes after the National Assembly passed the Finance Bill 2024 after 195 members of Parliament voted to pass it while 106 others rejected it. Three votes were spoilt.
The Finance Bill 2024 will now proceed to the third reading before being forwarded to President William Ruto for assent.
The controversial bill has attracted criticism from Kenyans who have taken to the streets to protest against it.
The anti-finance bill protests were on Tuesday witnessed in major towns and cities across the country including, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, Kwale, Bungoma, and Makueni.