Kenya: Several people reported shot dead as thousands storm parliament building | DW News

Breaking news from Kenya, where thousands of protesters have stormed parliament. Several people have been shot dead after police opened fire. TV footage showed the governor's office and city hall were also burning.
The riot began as parliament deliberated a controversial tax bill that the protesters said would increase the cost of living. The lawmakers were evacuated when the building was breached.
For more on the situation in Kenya, we talk to DW Kenya correspondent Edith Kimani who joins us in the studio.
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#Kenya #Protests #Violence

[@meeowgforever]

Overtaxing us while looting and insulting us is unacceptable. All the politicians need to step down

[@Suleimk]

Wapelekwe military prison na Kenya isonge mbele

[@liepsan]

Man that suxx, I thought Kenya was one of the best places in Africa to live! I hope it will get resolved soon.

[@meeowgforever]

@liepsan it is a very nice place, but the current government has been looting non-stop. To give you context, Ruto was an ICC suspect whose case was dropped due to witness disappearance. When he got into power, he appointed persons who had active criminal charges such as murder, rape, corruption etc (dropped their cases), the rest are their mistresses while others have forged academic documents. The govts has been on a looting spree, allocating themselves govt properties and contracts while overtaking us and taking more loans (he has borrowed more than all presidents combined in 2 years). On the other hand, he had curated a very different image in the international arena. He has hijacked parliament, he bribed them so all bills pass whether we like it or not. These has angered Kenyans. The protests have been largely peaceful until the police started killing Kenyans. It is also rumoured that the government deployed goons to disrupt peaceful protests. Either way he has to go

[@neilnelson7603]

​@@liepsanUnfortunately, we have a leader that is going to destroy everything we have worked hard to build. 2027 he is out.

[@frankchiedo4109]

not 2027, Thursday kwani you still have room to wait until 2027​@@neilnelson7603

[@PaulMuange]

Zakayo must Go... If he's not FLYING, he's busy LYING!

[@carlosdesire5855]

Blame it on Haiti

[@Ghost-rk9ec]

😂😂😂

[@SubtleAmbition]

They're gonna need those 400 cops back from Haiti.

[@boujeebiz9430]

Kenya has 100 thousand police officers. But your right we might need them back . ruto must go.

[@kibetevaristo1696]

The know it all president, has to be told to listen to the people

[@bck481]

Peace keeper's are on their way from Haiti, 😅

[@believer2010ful]

​@@boujeebiz9430Are they not his ?

[@edgarbarraca2885]

Oh no ? Kenya same happen with south africa ? Troublesome ? Kenya before very peaceful 😅😅😅

[@iddsadi831]

They will not beleive!!! They will not beleive!!! Today we take back our country Viva KENYA

[@lyzznganga5234]

They will not believe

[@Lorenzo-vi3yp]

❤

[@2kayBaby]

Unatuaibisha. It's believe.

[@lizziecn2729]

​@@2kayBaby😂😂😂

[@mfululizowak9899]

😅😂😅😂😅​@@2kayBaby

[@sheldonHimself]

Edith Kimani is so eloquent and frank about the situation on the ground. Kudos girl!

[@rorytribbet6424]

Kenya: ships cops to Haiti on Monday Kenyans first thing on Tuesday:

[@GraniteInTheFace]

Usa planned it

[@2kayBaby]

Trust me. No one outside those benefiting from the fund from the US, which is basically the inner circle of the government, supports the sending of Kenyan troops to Haiti.

[@carolm4691]

We haven't even touched Haiti... That one the world is fighting for us and unfortunately it is the young recruits who are abt to die for a war they don't know abt

[@onedayagogo]

@rorytribbet6424 ummhmm. not entirely unexpected tbh...

[@maestromecanico597]

You noticed that too?

[@katenderu1758]

Thank you Edith for telling our story. As a fellow Kenyans 🇰🇪

[@OsirisNyan]

Depuis Moçâmedes Angola 🇦🇴 soutien total aux peuples frères africains de Kenya 🇰🇪

[@curtrupp4259]

C'est vrais

[@NicoleMakaveli-wr6mm]

Love from kenya our Angolan brothers the situation in our country is getting messy politicians are swimming in luxury while we young people are languishing in poverty

[@mj-sl2wg]

How do you tax jobless people out of poverty? 60% of people are unemployed...so instead of creating employment and getting justified taxes they are going deep to make putting food on the table eveb harder. Taxing pads, sugar, diapers, transport...its already an heavily taxed country and this is what happens when people have nothing more to lose!!!

[@squalie9]

How do you supply needs to poor people without taxes?

[@neilnelson7603]

​@@squalie9I wish you knew how our politicians steal money from state budgets. We will only see 40% of that tax money.

[@famnd460]

You tax, politicians, foreign companies who employ expats CEO/CFO and the Rich@squalie9

[@AI-RecapTv]

@@squalie9 The leaders don't seem to lead poor people. They spend heavily and openly. That has created jitters.

[@squalie9]

@@AI-RecapTv so poor people have a habit of voting for the absolute worse leaders?

[@aleks3906]

I don't want my Kenyan brothers and sisters to have the same experience of those countries at war. Let their leaders wake up and remove this bill.

[@petermacharia7171]

❤❤

[@neilnelson7603]

Its a protest. Not a civil war. We haven't reached that level yet.

[@philipmwangi8491]

​@@neilnelson7603 the way it is heading can lead to civil war. Ruto must drop the finance bill to calm down the situation.

[@edmunddianga8641]

Ruto Must Go

[@victorkinyanjui7153]

​@@neilnelson7603Our enemy is the government

[@yobi8213]

The govt has slowed down the internet The govt has slowed down Twitter

[@princebond]

They did this in Zimbabwe too when people protested fuel and tax hikes. Its the dictatorial African way. 😂

[@charleswhite758]

How can any government think that taxing BREAD at 16% would be a great idea?🤦‍♂ Has Ruto heard of Marie-Antoinette?

[@lillianabuoro6837]

He obviously skipped History class. The irony that Marie- Antoinette comments on bread led to a revolution and Zakayo (Ruto) taxing bread has led to a revolution 😅😅😅😂

[@jameskamotho7513]

​@@lillianabuoro6837He despises history and other social studies...

[@SpecialK234]

A sign of things to come as we all pay to support our elderly.

[@SkipKiplinger]

more like bail out banks and failed policies pushed by corrupt politicals

[@johnmwangi915]

Twitter has been switched off in Kenya

[@amourbundrez3731]

Tiktok too..

[@daleki_the_great]

they wont shut us down

[@janendegwa5462]

its been done before it only made things worse

[@aquinorcio2355]

She speaks very well.

[@lif6737]

She’s from Nairobi, she’s probably a native English speaker, lmao

[@ZENSIBLE]

She works for DW What did you expect 😂 😂 😂

[@WCGW911]

yes indeed

[@Justampleboy]

Wait until you hear those young ones protesting speak...its a kenyan accent

[@beb5816]

I agree. She speaks better than most Brits. It's a pleasure listening to her. The American sounds so muffled in comparison.

[@theafrican_elephantclan]

Edith is very eloquent

[@gmasirittas]

Ameturepresent vitrue

[@believer2010ful]

Who is Edith?

[@danielwambugu-ez3wz]

​@@believer2010ful used to work for Kenya TV Network

[@user-mz6iy5ip9o]

'why has this turned so violent' because the people in power run an extortion racket

[@nashonjoel20]

POLITICIANS earns Millions, they don't care about Majority of their Population who earn way less In matters of increasing Taxes on FUEL and other basic daily needs.

[@betty71595]

On Top of that, they shamelessly take bribe money from the executive to pass Finance Bills that have turned citizens to paupers🤔

[@kougin13aller42]

Our politicians are too greedy

[@pietrojenkins6901]

@@kougin13aller42 just pay the taxes. Did you protest the roads,, railway, power plants you enjoy now brought about by loans? I don't think so.

[@s.k4585]

​@@pietrojenkins6901 I don't like various aspects of politics but love our nation as a whole and I will tell you for a fact that people over the years have been speaking against the loans since most of the loans have gone into some politician's pockets and some of the roads and said power plants were just built for formalities to show that the loan did something, but these power plants and roads are very few compared to what was promised, Kenya is an amazing nation but some few leaders have plundered much of it's wealth for themselves and now continuous raise in taxes is what's been happening to try pay off loans and facilitate some of the politician's lavish lifestyles. The current tax bill proposes even higher taxation on the ladies' pads and that's just one of the jaw dropping part, initially 100 shillings which is currently approximately $0.70 could at least get someone two meals but now $10 can't even help the ordinary citizen that much in a day's meal how much more for a family?

[@s.k4585]

​@@pietrojenkins6901 imagine loosing 14% of your income to taxes and you haven't even paid for bills such as house rent, basic needs and fees for the siblings or kids in a family, you still have to eat, have medical checkups and get clothed. It's sad that the protests got out of hand the way they did and I feel sad about the loss of lives and brutal attacks. But these collected taxes have mostly shown a track record of being abused by some politicians.

[@kamche3563]

They downplayed our role in society.... haya ndo hao watoto wa KFC... RUTO MUST GO

[@petermacharia7171]

❤❤❤

[@georgejuma9221]

The US purpet is not listening to our 😢😢😢😢😢

[@ishotthesheriff5686]

Go where?

[@jackiegacheru4281]

After this we are demanding he bring our siblings back from Haiti we won't allow them to die for someone's greed if he want let him send his kids. Haitians please spare our police they didn't come willingly

[@barakawekola4412]

we remember history of the violence in 2007 . this is the same person accused of genocide at the Hague in 2008 . And he got away and is ruling us.

[@jacqdanieles]

He didn't magically appear in State House. People voted for him. Now they're crying.

[@eglynefuraha2479]

​@jacqdanieles if at all he was voted in then he should have just opened the server

[@jacqdanieles]

@@eglynefuraha2479 "just opened the server"? What does that mean?

[@pauloketch4635]

@@jacqdanielesThe current government rigged votes and refuse to give citizens server access because the elections were digitized.

[@todymanyeah449]

It's funny how Kenya is not at peace but wants to make peace in Haiti who does that?

[@jayo7812]

If you had watched the video you would see a nation upset with it's government. Who pray tell then sent the troops to Haiti? A smart person would say the government and a smarter person would see that it was not the will of the people as obviously the will of the people is not respected by this government.

[@ignatius7106]

Conflating issues here. . These is a right to protest as enshrined in Kenyan constitution, a protest about FINANCE BILL. a demonstration that the govenment is not listening to the people ,Young Kenyans participating in a thriving healthy functioning democracy . People are not arming themselves or harming fellow citizen ... BuT Haiti there is no functioning govt , no bills, no judiciary , no procedures, NO ELECTED LEADERS, no functioning parliament ,just war lords .

[@unclescipio3136]

Kenya's a country of over 54 million people, 80%+ of whom are literate. English is an official language. There are over a million people with degrees in the country and 60+ universities. Why are people in the comments talking like they just discovered fire?

[@lputaa]

They think we're emerging from our caves 😂💔

[@refigee8752]

It's the result of years of Africa being portrayed as a pre-historic basket case devoid of any form of development.

[@josephngari1577]

Ignorance.

[@2kayBaby]

@@josephngari1577 Exactly.

[@ray0010]

i assure you as a Kenyan their are more than 50% or 40% are literate especially since the population is mostly youth

[@sianwa11]

They've shut down our internet

[@user-pp5cm1sc7x]

i noticed

[@jayo7812]

​@@vervetech9395How do you think? You must not be a millennial or gen Z otherwise you'd know

[@sianwa11]

@@vervetech9395 telekenesis and shii

[@rResilient]

​@@vervetech9395 are you familiar with the term VPN?? Hmm

[@user-pp5cm1sc7x]

@@vervetech9395 room temperature IQ mate

[@rResilient]

Ruto has the audacity to call us 'criminals and treasonous' while being corrupt himself and neglecting to listen to people rights, I honestly don't know why Kenyans rallied behind and supported him while he was being taken to the ICC, should have let him walk the plank, at least Uhuru had the decency to listen and act in favor of the common Mwananchi.

[@kofisachey3782]

Painfully ironic; his whole speech was an apt description of himself and his extortionist gang of politicians. Dude's a narcissist.

[@henrykizito2349]

There always comes a time when the starving poor end up eating the rich to survive

[@KEGM24]

Prayers for Kenya!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@HarrisonRwara]

The only prayers that'll work are a rejection of the finance bill in totality or the president relinquishing his authority as CIC.

[@user-to2yv8ms6z]

Ruto don't get it. Do the honorable thing and step down sir!

[@tobiaszacarias3206]

I lived in Kenya (Nairobi) for good 3 years. I am with all kenyans who suffer because of bad decision making

[@marinternationalbrookers457]

And somehow they are sending military intervention teams to help in Haiti, 😅

[@cageybee7221]

the last thing a country with a majority of it's people below the poverty line needs is more taxes.

[@ssir5927]

The president of Kenya, who went straight into politics after college, "somehow" has a net worth of half a BILLION dollars...

[@tamaduni]

They drive 16 mile per gallon SUVs ...whle the rest of the people try to survive on 2 usd a day

[@jacqdanieles]

Is that something new? That's been happening for decades. Yet the population continues to vote for these thieves.

[@bogdar2019]

Oh man, I am truly saddened by this. I love Kenya! Such a great country with great people. Please let the reason prevail and stop the madness

[@mimi5569]

Who should stop the madnes? We or Ruto?

[@bogdar2019]

@@mimi5569 I hope that both parties try to find a political solution and remove any and all violence.

[@henrykizito2349]

When the government doesn't pay a visit to the common man,the common man pays a visit to the government

[@WCGW911]

Ruto must go!!!

[@georgenjoroge6243]

Edith Kimani presented the issues quite well. Thank you!

[@midomarvin8793]

Radar safi sana Edith. Great explanation.

[@trukenyan]

Dude, France has had protests, US has had violent protests….so, it’s not isolated to Kenya.

[@Meteyard97]

You know you’re pressed when you try to pass this off as normal lol it ain’t getting better

[@jayo7812]

​@@Meteyard97whose trying to pass off as normal. Kenyans protesting their government is something that connects them with all other places with a desire to see their government change and have had protests, such as, France and the USA. Therefore, there's even a shared kinship there 😐

[@VGK4EVER]

The USA was attacked by pro russian maga trumpers. All of which have been tried and convicted, many are in prison. There are no violent protests going on. Pro Palestinian groups protested, but have been peaceful.

[@licious4633]

USA protests were politically motivated.It's about democrats and republicans. Kenyan one is about survival of a whole nation.It's not divided by politics, religion,race or tribe.

[@KirongetNeuno]

Behavior of police were out of control last week, but no you don't want to talk about that .The Kenyan people do not that bill ! Talk about that

[@vincentbugalia3858]

Looks like they had best get their own house in order before sending police to Haiti..

[@derricknyakiba]

No one in Kenya wants our police in Haiti. They should bring them home

[@jackson18021]

Kenyan soldiers are in Haiti while their parliament is burning and their country is in chaos right now 🔥 😅

[@kenyaneye4292]

This is wrong that is rubbish we can't support

[@frankmlish2679]

Soldiers?

[@kabzaify]

Kenya needs to grow the economy by at least three fold. A 100 billion dollar economy is too small, for a population of this size.

[@marcooos9874]

Now add THEFT ( CORRUPTION).

[@RMwangi37]

The population and the economy are not growing at the same rate. But the corrupt politicians want to keep playing with our tax money creating unconditional offices like 'The office of the spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secret'. It's as ridiculous as it sounds. So many sideshows instead of creating jobs and a conducive business environment.

[@onmyzone4146]

Ruto must go

[@HappyFarmUrbanPermaculture]

Edith❤❤ you are very eloquent and articulate. You'll go far

[@karonebuguss2616]

Edith, thank you for articulating well what's happening in Kenya

[@hinthegroove9740]

So many different people, going through something similar in so many different countries. Politicians are the same anywhere in the world. The world needs an intervention.

[@SkipKiplinger]

govts aren't in charge, banks are

[@uchennaabosi7651]

Just goes to show that we all have so much more in common; war is a political creation.

[@SkipKiplinger]

@@uchennaabosi7651 The world's currencies are all fiat, not a store of value. no savings, just debt and that debt must grow or the liberal monetary system collapses. Since the debt can not be paid, it is extinguished by creating more currency which destroy's the currency's value - and along with it, our savings. This is happening and has been in its final phase since 2008. Good people all over the world will be destroyed by this. The tragic events in Kenya (and elsewhere) are just the beginning.

[@Benchmark243]

I said the same thing to an Iranian in the UK just yesterday. I advised him to stop wasting his time complaining about politicians or governments. Yes, some countries may be well off economically than others but politicians are the same everywhere.

[@Josemislredo]

Our MPs don't care about us... This is a problem that has been brewing over the years but our leaders have been too ignorant to listen to the people.

[@k.sullivan6303]

I hope Kenya finds solutions to these problems. I hope Kenya can come up with policies and laws that will satisfy everyone there. It's hard to please everyone, but I wish them well. Good luck from Canada to Kenya!

[@cynthianmwema]

I just want to commend this gentleman for giving her space to answer the questions. We do not see that often with foreign news anchors.

[@user-vh3fr3lb8w]

We youths are tired of ruto. He must resign

[@Masterrunescapeer]

Context, income tax bands currently, monthly: 24000 Ksh / 175 EUR | 10% 32333 Ksh / 235 EUR | 25% 500k Ksh / 3635 EUR | 30% (and keeps going higher) That's a bit insane to charge income tax at under 300 EUR/month, that's basically someone who can barely afford food. Then the new tax of 5-20% on anything digital being replaced with "Significant Economic Presence (SEP) Tax" that is: 20% of gross turnover is considered profit, and that has a 30% rate. That's insane to assume that margin is profit. And then tax exemption dropped to 5% of income, rather than the flat amounts, so those 175 EUR will see their income drop even more. And there's a "minimum top-up tax" that you must pay 15% tax a year, wtf.

[@Med_learn33]

Well spoken Edith

[@mumborepublik4560]

Back then they called it the Maumau uprising.

[@gjay7836]

Your kindness and resilience inspire everyone around you

[@olajidelawal2924]

I hope it will not end like endsars in Lagos Nigeria 😢

[@iamalonetega]

It's already started that way, let's see if Kenya will push on unlike Nigeria

[@Suleimk]

Non tribalism non political just awaken generation

[@beb5816]

She speaks so clearly, perfect english. The American sounds muffled in comparison. Compliments to Edirth.

[@Itulaeyemediaonline]

As peace loving people, this act is disturbing and uncalled for. We need normalcy the soonest.

[@chaleslim]

Edith ako so on point.

[@jsmuturi.2288]

My hometown princess Edith, we are so proud of you our daughter, keep watering the thorns for the sake of the rose

[@moodley1465]

I hope Ghana is learning, this is how you protest

[@FaithImani-qj1ci]

We are tired of ruto

[@andrewkimani3236]

"The youth are the barometer of the nation." This statement underscores the pivotal role that young people play in shaping political discourse and actions. It reflects the idea that the energy, perspectives, and actions of the youth are indicators of a country's political health and direction, emphasizing their significance in revolutionary movements and societal change.

[@bck481]

What?

[@aminasiad4649]

Thank you Edith for speaking our voice 👍

[@user-qd5mw3hx5h]

You haven't mentioned how people were killed in Githurai by the army. Innocent people!! What an injustice to the Kenyan people. Ruto must go!

[@erickragero960]

Reject finance bill

[@kristofferyu2160]

Law maker are rich and corrupt...they are God of Kenya...people are poor😢😢😢

[@denmalo23]

kenya is going through exactly what we are going through in zambia, high cost of living, load shedding, lack of functioning opposition parties, looting and insults from oir leaders, only difference is we are not protesting yet

[@jameskamotho7513]

Yeah. You guys are a bit worse though. We can be fine if we live within our means. However, they need to show "development" hence the taxes...

[@theloniousm4337]

When people say "it was an organic start" what they really mean is "I have no f'ing idea what started it"

[@SoothingSerenity247]

Wow, Edith! Didn't know ww hua jounalist mkali ivo. Big up to you and Larry.

[@Josemislredo]

Life in Kenya is horrible...

[@Akwata]

I like how this lady has said everything. We are being overtaxed and underpayed

[@samuelmugo8177]

Very articulate Edith.

[@ianndegwa4211]

The days when publics funds are for the rich and corrupt are long gone in kenya ,they will not believe ,they will not believe ruto must go

[@calebadeleye]

I really like her report, very sincere and honest, not trying to support or go against anyone .

[@shabankolia8204]

Waaah my country Kenya waah

[@Samngugi84]

Our legislatures have no heart..passing the finance bill despite all these demos..who are they representing?because its not us!

[@prestonking5736]

If I were the leaders, I’d be listening to the people

[@jamesr1703]

Habari gani. I lived in Nairobi in the early 90s. At that time the population of the country was 25 million. Same problems and protests then. Now, the population is 54 million. The country was overpopulated at 25 million. I can't imagine what it is like now at 54 million.

[@ChaplainKE]

Devolution has helped slow down migration into the capital. Satellite towns have also absorbed much of the urban population. We were making strides, but this Finance Bill has surely thrown the spanner in the works.

[@Zelazella1]

Kenya Africa Nairobi Mombasa

[@jackiemadegwa5906]

You speak well Edith.

[@DeMsake]

He is killing us

[@Wezzie0]

Meanwhile the government has sent part of their police to Haiti while the country is on fire 🙄. How much money are they getting out of this, how much compensation will the families get for lost lives🙄

[@AugustVictor-zc8mu]

It is so easy to be wrong-and to persist in being wrong-when the costs of being wrong are paid by others.

[@princecharming941]

A massacre occurred at night please cover it😢

[@ChristineMwangi-tg9be]

Edith us so articulate ❤

[@sethaguto2836]

No western presidents has never condemned the Ruto because je is already in their pocket

[@charlessmyth]

With the US running close to twice the debt-to-GDP ratio of of Kenya, and with average taxation in the US running at around 40%, the government of Kenya has no role models, from whom, to seek advice. :-)

[@volkerengels5298]

The $laveholder is bankrupt - or not?

[@HKim0072]

Come on dude. Large economies are compared with other large economies. Kenya should be compared to healthy economies who have a lower GDP number.

[@ombasaabuya9137]

We shall continue rejecting this government of Ruto

[@manunge7775]

Zakayo must go!

[@everlyneomega3141]

Mwalimu wa maths…thank you for teaching me well,my calculations have left me emotionally disturbed….at least my generation got sense

[@marcel8361]

Thursday we are heading to state house

[@JonathanDaniel-os1gq]

Kenya , STAND UP.

[@abigail3414]

Ruto must resign

[@dailylearning1706]

But why must the law be passed by force? Why can't they listen to the voices of the youths/people and at least stop the bill until necessary dialogue has been done?

[@jacqdanieles]

This is a "let them eat cake" regime. They are unconcerned about increasing taxes because it will not affect them. They are living in comfort with inflated government salaries, allowances, & perks. Would they take a drastic pay cut? Not a chance.

[@k.sullivan6303]

Kenya is suffering from a bad economy, and serious inflation. I think the most affected are those people who live week to week, paycheck to paycheck. When those people suffer any kind of a crisis, they wind up in serious trouble with managing their lives and just being able to survive. Don't give up my Kenyan friends. Try not to get hurt or hurt anybody else in your protests. Just try to let your voices be heard. Try to be creative and avoid violence.

[@a.m.3719]

I remember watching Ruto brag about raising taxes in front of a white audience in Kenya. Meanwhile, we Kenyans were dying of flooding.

[@DANMURITHI254]

ITS ONLY ABOUT TAXES BUT ALSO ABOUT LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY,TRANSPARENCY AND DISCIPLINE ON HOW OUR TAXES ARE BEING UTILISED.

[@nelsonmorgan9840]

The rogue president has called us Kenyans criminals. A man charged with crimes against humanity, what an irony.

[@81Earthangel]

Kenyanˋs going to Haiti to bring peace and security. Wonder how that will work out? How ironic.

[@ngari117]

The president sent them there, against the Kenyans wishes