At least 13 people were killed in anti-government protests in Kenya on Tuesday.

Simon Kigondu, president of the Kenya Medical Association, told AFP on Wednesday that the number was not final and could rise.

"So far there are at least 13 dead, but this is not the final figure. "We saw violence after the 2007 elections, but we have never experienced this level of violence against unarmed people," Kigondu said.

The protests in Kenya, which began last week and were largely led by young people, were organised against new taxes envisaged in the 2024-2025 budget. While thousands marched peacefully in Nairobi and other cities, tensions suddenly escalated on Tuesday. Demonstrators broke through police barricades and entered the Parliament building, causing serious damage. This is the first time since Kenya gained independence in 1963 that the Parliament building has been stormed by demonstrators.

Violent protests also took place in other cities, and buildings were set on fire in Eldoret.

The government deployed the army to support the police force after demonstrations turned violent. President William Ruto threatened tough measures against "violence and anarchy" and said that "criminals masquerading as peaceful demonstrators" would pay for their actions.

The protests are based on the government's planned tax increases. In particular, young people born after 1997, named "Generation Z", react harshly against these increases. Economic problems in Kenya, unemployment and the increase in the cost of living are among the main factors that trigger the anger of young people.

Raila Odinga, leader of the main opposition coalition Azimio, criticised the government for using excessive force against "peaceful and unarmed children". Civil society organisations such as Amnesty International-Kenya condemned the use of live ammunition by the police and stated that 21 people had been abducted by police in 24 hours. Police have not yet responded to these allegations.