Parliament in Flames as Protest Breaks Out in Kenya

A section of parliament was caught up in flames and not less than 5 people shot dead flames in Kenya as demonstrations kick against new tax proposals 

An angry crowd broke through police lines to storm parliament in the capital Nairobi before setting parts of it ablaze.

In an address on Tuesday evening, President William Ruto said all means would be deployed to "thwart any attempts by dangerous criminals to undermine the security and stability of our country".

He has deployed the military to quell the protests.

Protests against an unpopular finance bill, which includes several tax rises, have been ongoing for days. But they escalated on Tuesday as MPs passed an amended bill.

Protesters broke into parliament, vandalising the interior and setting parts of the complex on fire. The ceremonial mace, symbolising the authority of the legislature, was stolen.

Police opened fire with live ammunition, killing at least five people, according to the Kenya Medical Association. 

President Ruto pledged a tough response to what he called the "violence and anarchy".

"It is not in order or even conceivable that criminals pretending to be peaceful protesters can reign terror against the people, their elected representatives and the institutions established under our constitution and expect to go scot-free," Mr Ruto added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sadness over reports of deaths and injuries, including those of journalists and medical personnel, during protests and street demonstrations in Kenya. He urged Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and called for all demonstrations to be peaceful.

Reports indicate that hundreds were injured, many by rubber bullets and tear gas. It was also reported that soldiers were forcing doctors out of a cathedral in Nairobi, where a medical camp had been set up to treat injured protesters. Another temporary medical unit was established outside the emergency unit at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta called for dialogue, emphasizing that Kenya's leaders should recognize that their power and authority come from the people.

Although the government has rowed back on some proposals in the original bill, protesters demanded that it be withdrawn in its entirety.

23-year-old Maureen Awuor said: "Our voice must be heard... We are the generation that is coming up, so they need to hear us."

The protests have made headlines across Africa and other parts of the world.

Two of Africa's leading anti-establishment figures, Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine and radical South African politician Julius Malema, have both expressed their support for the protesters.

Western countries have expressed concern at the violence and urged calm.