In Kenya, thousands of protesters have stormed the parliament buildings in Nairobi after news of the approval of the finance bill. According to national television reports and Kenyans website, there have been reports of gunfire outside the parliament and casualties among the demonstrators. The exact number is still unclear, but media outlets are reporting at least 3 people killed. Some opposition lawmakers have reportedly joined the protesters.
Controversial Finance Bill Approved in Kenyan Parliament
The Kenyan parliament has passed the contentious 2024 finance bill presented by the government. The law, which has sparked protests across the country with demonstrators gathered outside the parliament in the capital Nairobi, was approved with 195 votes in favor and 106 against, after the opposition withdrew its amendments, calling them “a futile exercise,” as reported by Capital News. Following ongoing street protests, the proposed new taxes, including a 16% excise duty on bread and a 25% tax on vegetable oil, and a 2.5% tax on the value of motor vehicles, have been withdrawn.
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