Kenyan rioters have set a section of the recently-renovated Uganda House in the capital, Nairobi, on fire.
The property is located on Plot No. 209 / 905, Kenyatta Avenue and Standard Street, Nairobi.
Uganda recently spent over Shs 70bn renovating the magnificent structure.
It was hoped that the building, which is rented by private businesses, would generate Shs 40bn per year for the Ugandan government.
At around 6:00 pm, Citizen TV reported that Uganda House was burning.
First responders could be seen using metallic objects to smash the building’s windows in a desperate rescue operation as fire billowed from the building’s pillars.
Kenya’s security situation deteriorated significantly on Tuesday, with police deploying teargas and water cannons to disperse the growing crowds.
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These protests were anticipated, having been announced as a massive demonstration expected to draw one million participants.
At the heart of the unrest is a contentious Finance Bill currently under debate in parliament, which was hastily approved by Parliament.
The proposed legislation includes significant tax hikes, which protesters argue will drive up the prices of essential goods, making everyday life more expensive for ordinary citizens.
Despite the public outcry, the government defends the tax increases, stating that they are crucial for raising national revenue and reducing the country’s dependence on borrowing. This justification, however, has done little to quell the anger of the demonstrators.
The protests are not limited to Nairobi; they have spread to other towns across the country, indicating widespread discontent with the proposed financial measures.
It remains unclear why rioters attacked the Ugandan embassy.Uganda and Kenya maintain healthy relations.Kampala was yet to make a statement on the development.
