News in Brief

Thirteen people killed and dozens wounded in Kenya as police open fire on protesters

Chaos erupted in Nairobi on Tuesday, with crowds throwing stones at police, pushing past barricades and entering the grounds of parliament. Police opened fire on demonstrators, with dozens of people wounded in addition to the 13 killed.

A man kicks back a tear gas grenade towards Kenya anti-riot police during a protest over proposed tax hikes

Protesters in Nairobi broke into Kenya's parliament, vandalising the interior and setting parts of the building on fire. Source: AAP / Brian Inganga/AP

At least 13 people have been shot dead and 31 were wounded in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi after police opened fire on demonstrators trying to storm the country's parliament. Sections of the parliament building and Nairobi City Hall were set ablaze.

The background: Demonstrators were protesting against Kenyan President William Ruto's plans to raise fuel prices and export taxes. Days of protest across the country had been largely peaceful until chaos erupted in Nairobi on Tuesday.

The key quote: "Today, Kenya experienced an unprecedented attack on its democracy, rule of law, and the integrity of its constitutional institutions." — President William Ruto.

What else to know: Amnesty International's Kenya chapter posted on social media platform X on Tuesday that "the pattern of policing protests is deteriorating fast", urging the government to respect demonstrators' right to assembly. Rights watchdogs have also accused the authorities of abducting protesters.

What happens next: Ruto has vowed to take a tough line against "violence and anarchy" as he pushes ahead with the tax hikes.

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Published 26 June 2024 2:06pm
By Charlie Bell
Source: SBS News

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