2024 storming of the Kenyan Parliament
The 2024 Parliament of Kenya assault is a mass protest that occurred at the Parliament Building in Nairobi, Kenya on 25 June, 2024. Thousands of protesters stormed the building in response to the passing of a contentious finance bill. The protest escalated when some of the protesters set part of the building on fire.[1] Several casualties were reported.
Background
The assault was triggered by the passing of a new finance bill that was met with widespread public disapproval. Protesters, many of which were youth, outmaneuvered the police to enter the parliament building shortly after the bill was passed.[2]
Assault
On the day of the assault, thousands of protesters broke through police barriers, overwhelmed the police, and stormed the compound. Part of the building was also set on fire. Legislators who were inside the building fled the scene. Police also opened fire on the protesters.
Casualties
Several bodies were seen outside the building after the police had opened fire. Amnesty International reported that live bullets fired by police left "many wounded".[3] A paramedic told Reuters that at least 50 people were injured by gunfire.
Aftermath
The assault on the building was the most direct assault on the Kenyan Government in decades. Protests appeared to have been spreading throughout the country, with ruling party offices burned in Embu. Kenyan Law Society President Faith Odhiambo said stated everyone involved, actively or passively, must be held accountable for their actions.[4]
See also
References
- ^ Musambi, Evelyne (25 June, 2024). "Part of Kenya's parliament burns as thousands of protesters enter. Bodies seen after police bullets". SFGate.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Part of Kenya's parliament is on fire as thousands of protesters enter. Several bodies are seen". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
- ^ "At least 5 dead after Kenyan parliament overrun by protesters and set ablaze". ABC News. 2024-06-25. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
- ^ "Part of Kenya's parliament on fire as thousands of protesters enter". NBC News. 2024-06-25. Retrieved 2024-06-25.