At least eight people were killed and 50 injured during protests against tax increases in Kenya, local media reported, citing doctors.
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Earlier on Tuesday, Citizen TV reported that protesters broke through to the parliament building, part of which started a fire.
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“Eight protesters have been confirmed dead,” KTN said in a post on social media.
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In turn, a paramedic in Nairobi reports that at least 50 people were injured as a result of the shooting.
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A new wave of protests in Kenya over government plans to increase taxes on a number of goods and services began in mid-June. Later, Agence France-Presse reported that amendments were made to the draft budget, according to which the introduction of a 16 percent value added tax on the purchase of bread, the transportation of sugar, the use of mobile and financial services, transactions with foreign currency, as well as the introduction of a tax of 2.5 % on motor vehicles and excise tax on vegetable oil. Kenyan President William Ruto announced the government’s readiness to begin a dialogue with the protesters. Nevertheless, the protests continued. Two deaths and at least 200 injuries were reported during the protests. Police use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters. Parliament is due to adopt the final version of the draft budget on June 30.
