In Nairobi, Kenya, police fired blanks to disperse protesters in the Githurai suburb overnight on Wednesday, following a violent protest at the parliament building earlier in the day. Demonstrators had stormed the parliament, setting parts of it on fire and causing legislators to flee, amid unrest over controversial tax increases.
Law enforcement officials reported firing over 700 blank rounds in Githurai, and videos of the nighttime gunfire were circulated online. The situation escalated to the point where military forces were deployed to support police, and President William Ruto labeled the events as treasonous, pledging to end the unrest "at whatever cost."
The protests, which involved thousands of participants, resulted in the deaths of several demonstrators and injuries to more than 100 people, according to civil society groups. The exact number of arrests remains unknown. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and emphasized the need for peaceful demonstrations.
The protests were largely driven by young Kenyans opposing rising costs for essentials such as fuel and food, magnified by perceived state corruption and economic inequality. The controversial finance bill has stirred widespread opposition, crossing traditional tribal lines, a notable shift in Kenyan politics. The Daily Nation newspaper called for dialogue, while Citizen TV hosted a discussion highlighting national concerns.