At least 10 people were killed in Nairobi after police opened fire on protesters who stormed the parliament compound following the passage of a controversial tax bill on Tuesday.

The unrest erupted after the Kenyan parliament passed a contentious finance bill that includes an eco-levy raising the cost of everyday items, sparking widespread protests. Demonstrators had gathered in the capital and other parts of the country, leading to violent clashes with police. Human rights groups have condemned the government's actions and called for accountability, while the chaos has further fueled calls for President William Ruto to resign.

According to a joint statement from several human rights groups, a total of at least five people were killed and 31 injured during the protests. As tensions escalated, the office of Nairobi's governor was set on fire, and unrest spread to other towns and cities.

In a particularly harrowing moment, former US President Barack Obama's half-sister, Auma Obama, was teargassed during a live interview with CNN. A CNN team also reported observing two bodies lying motionless on the ground during the protests.

The impetus for the protests was the newly passed finance bill, which aims to raise an additional $2.7 billion in taxes to help alleviate Kenya's significant debt burden. The bill introduces an eco-levy that would increase the cost of goods like period products and nappies. Public fury was already high after a proposal to tax bread was removed following public outcry.

Protesters had taken to the streets at each reading of the bill, culminating in the third and final round on Tuesday. Thousands had rallied to urge politicians to vote against the new taxes, demonstrating the widespread discontent among Kenyan citizens.

The Kenya Law Society president, Faith Odhiambo, reported that 50 individuals, including her personal assistant, had been 'abducted' by individuals believed to be police. These allegations further exacerbated concerns over police conduct during the protests.

During the unrest, significant disruptions to internet services were reported by monitoring group Netblocks. These disruptions made it challenging to obtain timely updates and contributed to the chaos.

Protesters' demands have broadened beyond the finance bill, with many now calling for President William Ruto to step down. The Kenya Human Rights Commission accused President Ruto's government of undermining democracy and called for those responsible for the shootings to be held accountable.

Property damage was extensive, with fires breaking out inside the parliament compound. Many Kenyan lawmakers were forced to flee the building through an underground tunnel to escape the violence and chaos.

The violence in Nairobi was echoed in numerous other cities and towns across Kenya, reflecting the widespread anger and disillusionment with the current administration.

The protests have placed the Kenyan government under intense scrutiny, both domestically and internationally. The demands for accountability and the cessation of further tax hikes grow louder as the country grapples with its economic challenges.

The situation remains volatile as citizens continue to voice their dissent against the government and its policies. The international community is closely watching the developments, urging restraint and the protection of human rights amid the ongoing unrest.