The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has voiced deep concerns regarding the outbreak of violence in Kenya following recent public protests.

 In a statement issued by the Commission, Mr Mahamat highlighted the tragic loss of lives and the significant damage to properties resulting from the unrest.

He called for calm and urged all parties involved to refrain from further violence. 

Emphasizing the importance of dialogue, he appealed to national stakeholders to engage in constructive discussions to address the underlying issues that have the tendency to lead to protests, stressing that such actions are in the supreme interest of Kenya.

The AU Commission reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with the government and people of Kenya, underscoring its commitment to supporting the nation through this challenging period.

Background

Five protesters were gunned down by police in Kenya and a section of parliament gone up in flames as demonstrations against new tax proposals escalate.

An angry crowd made up of the youth stormed parliament in the capital Nairobi before setting parts of it ablaze.

The youth are protesting against an unpopular finance bill, which includes several tax rises, 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.