Amid the protests in Kenya triggered by the passing of a new finance bill, the Indian Embassy in Nairobi has advised Indian nationals in the African nation to "exercise caution".
The clashes, which began on Tuesday after the government passed a controversial finance bill has resulted in at least five deaths and left around 31 people injured.
Following the unrest, the Indian Embassy has urged Indian nationals to remain careful and contact the embassy for any assistance, if required.
"In view of the prevailing tense situation, all Indians in Kenya are advised to exercise utmost caution, restrict non-essential movement and avoid the areas affected by the protests and violence till the situation clears up," reads an official statement from the embassy.
Latest On Kenya's Anti-Tax Protests
Due to the clashes between protestors and anti-riot police, at least five people have been killed. Amid the protests, several human rights organisations and activists raised concerns and stated that the police were opening fire towards the protestors.
Police authorities have also been accused of using tear-gas and mace against protestors. Among the activists protesting the new bill was former US President Barack Obama's half-sister - Auma Obama - who was allegedly tear-gassed by the police on live television.
Due to the intensity of the protests, the Kenyan Government has issued a gazette for the formal deployment of the defence forces in the capital Nairobi. As per the official statement issued, the deployment comes as a "response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests."
After the new finance bill was passed, Kenyans took to the streets to protest against the new taxes which will increase prices of basic good and necessities such as sanitary napkins, diapers and other essentials items.
A section of protestors stormed the Kenyan parliament and set a section of the building ablaze. Later in the day, the City Hall, which is known as the Governor's office was also set on fire.
As night falls, the crowd as moved away from the Parliament but the sound of gunfire continues in the streets of Nairobi. Local reports have also added that there are bodies of injured protestors and activists.
