On 25 June 2024, thousands of protesters stormed the Kenyan Parliament in Nairobi, marking one of the most violent days in Kenya’s recent history. The protest was a direct response to the passage of the Kenya Finance Bill 2024, which proposed controversial tax increases. The protests escalated quickly, leading to a deadly confrontation with the Kenya Police, resulting in the deaths of 19 people and over 200 injuries. This incident was a turning point, forcing President William Ruto to veto the bill just a day after the attack.
The storming of the Kenyan Parliament was part of a broader wave of protests that swept across the country. The incident not only highlighted public discontent over the government’s financial policies but also raised serious concerns about police brutality and the government’s handling of public dissent.
Background: The Kenya Finance Bill 2024
The protests were sparked by the passage of the Kenya Finance Bill 2024, which was unveiled on 18 June 2024 and quickly became the focal point of public outrage. The bill proposed a 16% tax on goods and services for the construction and equipping of specialized hospitals and increased import taxes from 2.5% to 3%. While some of the more controversial proposals, such as a 16% sales tax on bread and a 25% duty on cooking oil, were withdrawn, the remaining provisions still faced strong opposition, particularly from low-income citizens.
The bill was passed despite widespread protests, leading to boycotts by opposition MPs, who left the parliamentary session in protest.
The Storming of Parliament: A Day of Chaos
On the day the bill was passed, thousands of protesters, primarily youth, gathered outside the Parliament Building in Nairobi. The protestors were angered by the government’s decision to pass the bill without addressing their concerns. The protest quickly turned violent as demonstrators overran police barriers, stormed the Parliament building, and wreaked havoc inside.
Protesters set part of the building on fire, vandalized rooms, and even stole the ceremonial mace used in legislative proceedings. In addition to the destruction in the Parliament, several cars parked outside were also vandalized. The police, overwhelmed by the crowds, resorted to opening fire on the demonstrators. This led to numerous injuries and fatalities.
As the violence intensified, nearby locations, including the office of the governor of Nairobi City County, were set on fire, and protestors attempted to storm State House in Nakuru. In several cities across Kenya, including Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nyeri, protests broke out, and looting occurred, further escalating the situation.
Casualties and Reactions
The deadly response by the Kenya Police left 19 people dead in Nairobi alone, with more than 200 people injured. Amnesty International reported that many of the injured were victims of police violence. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights also condemned the police’s use of force, calling the deaths a “serious violation of human rights.”
Activists and prominent figures such as Martin Kimunya and Auma Obama were among those who suffered injuries during the protests. The events in Nairobi were a significant escalation in a long-standing series of protests against the government’s economic policies.
The Aftermath: President Ruto’s Response
In the wake of the violent protests, President William Ruto condemned the storming of Parliament, calling it a “treasonous” act and blaming “dangerous people” for hijacking the protests. He pledged a strong response against those responsible for the violence. The Kenya Defence Forces were deployed to help restore order, and reports indicate that soldiers used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, leading to further casualties.
The day after the storming, President Ruto announced that he was rejecting and withdrawing the Finance Bill, marking a significant concession to the protesters. He also vowed to take action against the police officers responsible for firing on unarmed civilians.
Domestic and International Reactions
The violence and police crackdown attracted significant attention both within Kenya and internationally. Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, condemned the police’s actions, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the Finance Bill and for an investigation into the deaths. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also called for dialogue, urging Kenya’s leadership to respect the will of the people.
Internationally, organizations such as Amnesty International and the United Nations expressed concern over the police’s handling of the protests. Moussa Faki, the Chairman of the African Union Commission, called for peace and stability in Kenya, urging the government to address the grievances of the people.
A Turning Point for Kenya’s Political Landscape
The 2024 storming of the Kenyan Parliament marks a significant moment in the country’s political history. The event demonstrated the deep frustrations of the Kenyan people with the government’s handling of economic issues, particularly the proposed tax hikes. It also raised questions about the state’s response to peaceful protests and the use of force by law enforcement.
The storming of the Parliament is likely to be remembered as a symbol of the growing tensions between the Kenyan people and their government, especially in the wake of economic hardship. As the country moves forward, it will be crucial to address the issues raised by the protests, including tax reforms, police accountability, and citizens’ rights to peacefully protest.
| Parliament Building in 2015 | |
| Date | 25 June 2024 |
|---|---|
| Location | Parliament Building, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Caused by | Passing of the Kenya Finance Bill 2024 by the Parliament of Kenya |
| Resulted in | Bill vetoed by President Ruto[1] |
| Parties | |
Protesters Kenya Police | |
| Casualties and losses | |
| Deaths: 1[a]Injuries: 200+[3]Arrests: 130+[2]none | |
