The Kenyan parliament, sitting in special session on Wednesday, authorized the deployment of the military to secure critical infrastructure and to support the police during the violent protests that have gripped the country.
The East African nation's defence minister announced the deployment of the military the previous evening after hundreds of demonstrators stormed parliament and set part of the building on fire.
Opposition lawmakers raised doubts about the legality of the parliamentary resolution, which was passed within an hour and after a debate held behind closed doors.
The protests were fuelled by a new tax law, which many Kenyans fear will lead to further financial burdens and a significant increase in the cost of living.
Churches and business representatives have also spoken out against the law, which must now be signed by the president or returned to parliament with proposed amendments within 14 days of being passed.
