Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula has addressed the unprecedented events that occured in parliament on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, during the anti-Finance Bill protests.
In a statement over the chaos, Wetang’ula first lauded the youths for taking the lead in discussions on matters concerning them.
“I am not a stranger to the conversations that have been going on in this country with regards to the Finance Bill and the general state of the economy of the Nation,” Wetangula said.
“I laud the youth of this nation for taking the lead in this discourse and what a privilege to be alive at such a time as this to behold our children engage in and shape the course of our nation.”
He however regretted the massive destructions that characterized the invasion saying that would not be condoned.
He said discussions on the matter must be held in a structured manner for issues raised to be addressed.
“It is imperative that these discussions are held in a structured and meaningful manner, within the confines of the law in order for them to realize the desired results,” he said.
“Violence, disrespect and wanton destruction of property and blatant attack on public institutions shall not be condoned.”
On Tuesday, anti-Finance Bill protesters in their hundreds entered inside Parliament.
That happened after police shot several demonstrators outside the Parliament Buildings.
The protesters also burned a number of vehicles belonging to the Police as tension escalated outside the country’s legislature.
Moments earlier, MPs had voted to approve the Finance Bill, 2024 that the argued imposes a wave of taxes.
This is the first time in the history of Kenya that protesters have broken barriers and accessed inside Parliament despite heavy security.
Previously, police had managed to block protesters from gaining access to Parliament and always cordoned off the protection.
Opposition leaders had in the past held protests but police succeeded in blocking them from accessing Parliament.
Parliament is a gazetted area, meaning that it is one of the most highly protected and guarded institutions after the State House.
The protected status gives security officers more mandate to do all they can to avoid any intrusion into the legislature.
MPs had voted 195 to 106 to pass the Finance Bill, 2024, paving the way for President William Ruto to assent to it into law.
Earlier protesters had overpowered police and crossed over to Parliament Road, gaining access to Parliament Buildings.
