#TrendsArena: Kenyan police and protestors clash after sections of parliament set on fire

In their bid to forcibly invade the parliament building, Kenyan protestors found themselves in turmoil with the country’s security force over a bill introducing new taxes.

Kenyans are unhappy and have called for the resignation of every Member of Parliament. A section of the legislative building has also reportedly been set on fire. The police are on the grounds to ensure sanity.

Kenyas continue to use the power of social media to share their displeasure stating that “we shall not be intimidated”. While the protest is ongoing, local reports disclosed that the government has threatened to shut down media houses over their coverage of #RejectFinanceBill2024.

KTN News, a news channel owned and operated by the Standard Group, said they have received threats by the government following the coverage of the protest. “We have received threats from authorities of intention to shut us down. We wish to inform the public of our commitment to defend public interest. We shall not be cowed by any threats,” the news outlet announced on X.

Journalist, Edgar Wabwire, also wrote “Dear International Community, I am writing to draw urgent attention to the alarming situation unfolding in Kenya. The police forces in our country are resorting to excessive violence against peaceful protestors who are simply exercising their fundamental rights.”

The finance bill, approved by parliament, is now in a third reading and is expected to be signed by the president. The protesters are protesting against tax increases and calling for President William Ruto to step down.

This is the fourth time demonstrators have stepped out in their numbers to demand that the bill must be dropped.

See the reactions below.

Dear International Community,

I am writing to draw urgent attention to the alarming situation unfolding in Kenya. The police forces in our country are resorting to excessive violence against peaceful protestors who are simply exercising their fundamental rights.

A peaceful… pic.twitter.com/gG0GAwLQK1

— EDGAR 🇰🇪 (@edgarwabwire_) June 25, 2024

Shit is happening in Kenya. I am so proud our children, the Gen Z#rejectFinanceBill2024 pic.twitter.com/aiwq3D0L4W

— Dr. Ekuru Aukot (@EAukot) June 25, 2024

A people united can NEVER be defeated.
3.05pm, CBD, Nairobi, Kenya.#RejectFinanceBill2024 pic.twitter.com/OTDAeLbJXe

— Rinu Oduala 🔥🔫 (@SavvyRinu) June 25, 2024

BREAKING NEWS: Government threatens to shut down KTN

We have received threats from authorities of intention to shut us down. We wish to inform the public of our commitment to defend public interest. We shall not be cowed by any threats.@KTNNews pic.twitter.com/5Q2jnMu8hm

— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) June 25, 2024

Doing my duty to my country KENYA
We will not relent until we take this country back.

— Alinur Mohamed (@AlinurMohamed_) June 25, 2024

The revolution shall be televised!!!
We as the people of Kenya do not support the finance bill 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪#RejectFinanceBill2024 pic.twitter.com/14P1eGVRwC

— ⁴⁴₅₅¹⁶Joy❤️‍🔥 (@JoyJMurraya) June 25, 2024

Ruto is taking us back to the moi era, we shall not be intimidated

— Achieng🇰🇪 (@Aachieng01) June 25, 2024

#REJECTFİNANCEBİLL2024 WE NEED AN EAR-D GOVERNMENT. THIS FINANCE COULD HAVE WAITED. WE AS A COUNTRY ARE NOT IN A RUSH. ONE TERM GOVERNMENT

— ALEX (@gisioraalex) June 25, 2024

Ruto is taking us back to the moi era, we shall not be intimidated

— Achieng🇰🇪 (@Aachieng01) June 25, 2024

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna blocks police from firing at protesters in Nairobi CBD

History will remember you @edwinsifuna #RejectFinanceBill2024 pic.twitter.com/iRgF2j6D1v

— EDGAR 🇰🇪 (@edgarwabwire_) June 25, 2024