Anti-tax protesters in Kenya's capital are met with police resistance.

• The Kenyan parliament passed a second reading of the contentious Finance Bill 2024 earlier in the day.
• According to Reuters, at least 50 individuals sustained injuries due to gunfire during the recent protests.

On Tuesday, protesters clashed in the streets of Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, as the African state passed a controversial finance bill that aims to increase national taxes.

The Kenyan parliament passed the second reading of the Finance Bill 2024, which aims to increase taxes for consumers, with 195 votes in favor, 106 against, no abstentions, and three spoilt votes.

The tax law was modified to exclude a proposed 16% value-added-tax on bread, sugar transportation, financial services, foreign exchange transactions, and a 2.5% Motor Vehicle Tax.

Protests have erupted across Kenya due to the bill, which has exacerbated the country's cost-of-living crisis, characterized by inflation that reached 5.1% in May. The Kenyan Human Rights Commission has released a video of police officers firing at protesters, demanding accountability.

According to Reuters, at least 50 people were injured by gunfire during the latest demonstrations, and sections of the parliament building were set on fire as the compound was stormed, citing a local paramedic outside of the parliament.

The Kenyan Police Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been contacted by CNBC for confirmation of the events that occurred on Tuesday.

Last week, two people died in separate protests, resulting in bloodshed, according to the Associated Press.

Some protesters climbed onto a Kenya Police water cannon truck while chanting anti-government slogans.

A protester kicks a tear gas canister while demonstrating

Protesters run to take cover as a Kenya Police water cannon truck throws water

During the protest against the proposed government tax bill, a protester displays a sign.

Police monitor protesters against the proposed tax bill

People use their mobile phones to take pictures of demonstrators in Naoribi CBD

Anti-government demonstrators called for a shutdown of the economy

Protesters react after being pushed by Kenya Police officers while demonstrating