Several Kenyan protesters were shot dead, and at least 50 people were injured outside Kenya's parliament in the capital, Nairobi, on Tuesday, local media Citizen TV reported, as police battled with demonstrators seeking to prevent the passage of a bill that would raise several taxes.

Reuters news agency said five bodies were seen outside the parliament, citing an eyewitness. Citizen TV put the death toll at three. 

The protesters breached the parliament barricade and entered the compound, where gunfire erupted, according to live TV footage.

(With input from agencies)