NAIROBI, Kenya - Tragic scenes of violence unfolded in Kenya's capital as thousands of enraged demonstrators stormed the parliament building to protest against a highly contentious tax bill. The protest turned deadly, with several people killed and hundreds injured in clashes with the police. The unrest has been fueled by mounting anger over the proposed legislation, which aims to increase the cost of goods and services in order to address the country's foreign debt.

The protests on Tuesday saw police resorting to tear gas, rubber bullets, and even live rounds to disperse the crowd. As protesters overwhelmed the police and entered the parliament building, parts of the complex were set ablaze. At least three individuals were fatally shot during the chaos. President William Ruto addressed the nation, condemning the storming of parliament and vowing to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Lawmakers were forced to flee the legislature as the protests escalated, disrupting the debates and passage of the controversial bill. The proposed legislation, which has sparked widespread outrage, aims to significantly increase taxes on essential items such as bread, cooking oil, and sanitary products. The cost of living in Kenya has already seen a steep rise in recent years, with food and fuel prices spiraling.

Live footage showed protesters entering the national assembly and senate chambers, grabbing the ceremonial maces from both houses, and igniting fires within the premises. In addition to parliament, the protesters also targeted and set fire to Nairobi's City Hall. The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops urged the police not to use lethal force and appealed for calm during the protests, following the deaths of two individuals in similar demonstrations last week.

Criticism against the Kenyan police's heavy-handed tactics has resurfaced, with human rights organizations accusing them of excessive use of force during the protests. The Kenyan Human Rights Commission shared a video showing police shooting at protesters, which sparked further condemnation.

The youth-led demonstrations, organized primarily through online platforms by a group calling themselves "Gen Z," have garnered momentum nationwide. Demonstrations were reported not only in Nairobi but also in Mombasa, Malindi, and various towns across the country. Protesters expressed their frustration, claiming that the proposed law would worsen the economic hardships faced by millions of struggling Kenyans.

The government argued that the finance bill was necessary to raise funds for the repayment of the country's foreign debt, which stands at over $80 billion, mainly borrowed from China, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. However, the protests have evolved into a larger movement against President Ruto and the political class, who are accused of corruption and burdening Kenyans with excessive taxation.

In an unfortunate twist, reports emerged of dawn arrests of several individuals associated with the protests. Opposition lawmakers expressed concern over the disappearance of young men who were allegedly taken by armed security agents, raising questions about the government's commitment to protecting the protesters' rights.

The United States and European countries strongly condemned the violence that unfolded during the protests and expressed their concerns over allegations of abductions. The protests coincided with the formal designation of Kenya as a major non-NATO ally by the White House, which brings new trade benefits between the countries.

As the unrest continues to grip the nation, Kenya faces a tumultuous situation with the need to address the grievances of its citizens, find a way to alleviate the economic burden, and restore order through open dialogue and restraint.