Breaking News: A section of the Kenyan Parliament has been set on fire by angry anti-Finance Bill protesters. They overpowered police officers who were barricading the building.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s office was also set ablaze.
A truck parked outside Parliament was also not spared.
During the chaos, at least eight protesters were shot dead as riot police used live bullets to disperse the crowd and prevent breaches of the parliament building.
This incident occurred following the passage of the Finance Bill 2024 during its third reading, with 195 MPs voting in favor after Azimio MPs withdrew their amendments.
106 MPs voted no, and there were 3 split votes.
Protesters who breached Parliament could be heard chanting “wasaliti, wasaliti (betrayers, betrayers)”.
Gunshots continue to echo around Parliament, with protesters shouting, “You are killing us, and we are defending you.”
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi was reportedly safely evacuated in an ambulance. MPs who used underground channels to escape to Bunge Towers while others fled to the Parliament basement are also being evacuated.
Outside, Azimio MPs joined in the protests and could be heard chanting “Ruto must go.” They also confronted police, urging them not to harm the protesters.
Upon breaching Parliament building, some protesters were pictured enjoying MP’s lunch. Others are vandalizing the Senate Chambers.
More reinforcement police officers have been deployed as they struggle to put out the fires and contain rowdy protesters. Nairobi region police commander Adamson Bungei has also arrived at the scene.
More updates to follow