Protests against the unpopular finance bill, which includes several tax hikes, have continued for several days. But they escalated further Tuesday when lawmakers passed amendments.
Protesters stormed the parliament building, damaged its interior and set fire to part of the complex. The ceremonial mace, a symbol of legislative authority, was stolen.
According to the Kenya Medical Association, at least five people were killed when police opened fire with live ammunition. A BBC reporter at the scene reported seeing corpses lying in pools of blood on the street.
“There are some things that are difficult to understand, such as how you can tax bread at 16% or how you can tax sanitary pads.” Derrick Mwathu, 24, told the BBC, referring to some of the proposals included in the original bill.
President Ruto has promised a tough response to what he calls “violence and anarchy”.
Mr Ruto said: “It is out of order and even inconceivable to expect criminals posing as peaceful protesters to control terrorism against the people, their elected representatives and institutions established under the Constitution with impunity.” He added.
“I am deeply saddened by reports of deaths and injuries, including of journalists and medical staff, related to protests and street demonstrations in Kenya,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
He also called on Kenyan authorities to exercise “restraint” and urged that all protests be peaceful.
