Kenyan Protesters storm Parliament, Vandalize property

MPs in Kenya  were forced to take cover as protesters stormed Parliament. Anti-Finance Bill protesters in their hundreds entered inside Kenya’s Parliament on Tuesday afternoon. The protesters entered inside Parliament hours after police shot a number of demonstrators outside Parliament Buildings.

The protesters also burned a number of vehicles belonging to the Police as tension escalated outside the country’s legislature. Moments earlier, MPs had voted to approve the Finance Bill, 2024 that they argued imposes a wave of taxes.

The MPs voted 195 to 106 to pass the Finance Bill, 2024, paving the way for President William Ruto to assent to it into law. Police were deployed around Parliament to guard and block protesters from entering the premises. The police were then overwhelmed by protesters as they stormed Parliament.

The Protesters overpowered anti-riot police and entered Parliament buildings and set a section of it on fire.

Sounds of "wasaliti, wasaliti (betrayers, betrayers)" rent the air as the protesters overan a police barricade, set a police lorry on fire and damanaged a section of the fence to Parliament. 

The protesters uprooted the national flag within Parliament precincts with reports indicating that a number of the protesters have been shot outside Parliament. 

A stampede has also been reported inside Parliament as MPs scampered to safety.

Some of the legislators have sought refugee in the basement parking of Parliament as police keep guard awaiting backup and evacuation. 

Azimio MPs left the building and joined protesters on the streets. Gunshots  were heard  around Parliament and protesters heard saying "you are killing us na pia nyinyi tunawatetea". Nairobi region police commander Adamson Bungei has arrived at the secene.

Inside the Senate are scenes of destruction. Furniture is in disarray, seats strewn around, cupboards ransacked, flags torn and windows broken.