Kenyan President William Ruto today pledged to forcefully crack down on “violence and anarchy” following protests against his government’s tax plans, marked during the day by the deaths of at least five protesters, according to non-governmental organizations, and a storming of parliament.

“We will respond fully, effectively and swiftly to the treacherous events that took place today“, said William Ruto at a press conference in the capital Nairobi, stressing that the protests were “taken over by dangerous persons”.

“It cannot be considered normal or even conceivable that criminals masquerading as peaceful protesters can terrorize the people, their elected representatives and the institutions established by our Constitution, and expect us to be unconcerned.“, he added.

Ruto also warned the instigators, financiers, orchestrators and accomplices of violence and anarchy.

Today, police used tear gas, water pumps, rubber bullets and live fire, according to several non-governmental organizations, to disperse protesters during this third day of demonstrations against government plans to impose new taxes, which of the present are discussed by the deputies.

At least five people were killed and 31 injured, NGOs said.

The main opposition coalition, Azimio, accused the government of “unleashing its brutal violence against the children of our country”.

Soldiers were deployed to support police “in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests” across the country. These protests have been marked by “destruction and attacks on critical infrastructure,” Defense Minister Aden Barre announced earlier this evening.