Kenyan Parliament building on fire as thousands of protesters enter and police open fire

Part of Kenya's parliament building was set ablaze Tuesday as thousands of protesters against a new finance bill entered and lawmakers fled, in the most direct attack on the government in decades.

Reporters saw at least three bodies outside the compound where police opened fire.

Protesters had demanded that lawmakers vote against the controversial bill imposing new taxes on a country where cost-of-living frustrations have simmered for years.

Protesters outmaneuvered police to enter Parliament shortly after lawmakers voted to pass the bill. The MPs fled through a tunnel, but protesters allowed opposition MPs who had voted against the bill to exit the besieged building.

The office of the Nairobi governor, a member of the ruling party, was also on fire. The office is located near Parliament. Police water cannons were used to put out the fire.

Protesters could be heard shouting: “We are coming for every politician.”

Police also fired live ammunition and threw tear gas canisters at protesters seeking treatment in a medical tent set up in a church near the parliamentary complex.

The Kenyan Human Rights Commission shared a video showing police shooting at protesters and said they would be held accountable.

Two people died during similar protests last week.

Kenya Law Society president Faith Odhiambo said on Tuesday that 50 Kenyans, including her personal assistant, had been “kidnapped” by people suspected of being police officers.

Those missing included people who had been vocal during protests and who were taken from their homes, workplaces and public spaces before Tuesday's demonstrations, according to civil society groups .

Police officials did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment. Parliament Speaker Moses Wetangula had asked the Inspector General of Police to provide information on the fate of the abductees, according to the opposition.

President William Ruto was outside the capital to attend an African Union retreat. On Sunday, he said he was proud of the young people who had come to exercise their democratic duty and said he would engage with young people on their concerns.