SAA event in Nairobi, Kenya on Tue 25th June 2024

Protesters in Kenya have reportedly been shot dead and Nairobi's parliament set on fire after a contentious tax bill was passed.

At least 10 protesters were shot dead in the Kenyan capital, according to the Reuters news agency, after police fired live rounds as the compound was stormed by demonstrators following the passing of the bill.

Thousands of people were protesting on Tuesday as they demanded politicians vote against new taxes proposed in the controversial finance bill.

But after it was approved, Reuters said the parliament compound was breached and fires were reported from within the building.

A paramedic told the news agency at least 50 people were also injured by gunfire during the protests.

Video footage from inside the Kenyan parliament showed tables and chairs overturned and smashed up, while footage from outside showed fires, tear gas smoke and dozens of armed police.

The bill will introduce new taxes, including an eco-levy that would raise the price of goods like period products and nappies.

A proposal to tax bread was removed after public outcry.

There have been protests at every reading of the bill, with Tuesday being the third and final round, with the most violent demonstrations.