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Anti-tax protests: Attack on Parliament grievous and unforgivable, Wetang'ula says

Protesters demonstrating against the proposed Finance Bill 2024/2025 enter the Parliament compound in Nairobi on June 25, 2024 in this still image obtained from a social media video. ("@ItsMiller_G"/X/REUTERS)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Wetang'ula said the invasion shook the country to the core, resulting in the loss of lives close to the Parliament precincts.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is deeply concerned about the damage and desecration inflicted on Parliament grounds on Tuesday, by protesters determined to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the Finance Bill, 2024, which now awaits presidential assent.

In an address to Members of Parliament on Wednesday, following a troubling day that saw several protesters shot by the police and property at Parliament destroyed, Wetang'ula condemned the violence.

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"I stand before you with a heavy heart and it is my solemn duty to address the gravity of what has occurred. The gory images of wanton destruction of property and the desecration of the parliamentary square by individuals masquerading as youth and peaceful protesters are highly regrettable," said the speaker, who is also chair of the Parliamentary Service Commission.

Wetang'ula said the invasion shook the country to the core, resulting in the loss of lives close to the Parliament precincts.

"The sanctity of Parliament has been violated, lives have been needlessly lost and the foundation of our democracy has been tested in ways we never imagined."

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula during a past plenary session. (Photo: File/National Assembly)

Sacred institution

Wetang'ula further noted the profound impact of the events on Parliament's integrity and security.

"Our sacred institution faced a grievous breach of security and an unforgivable act of violence," he said, noting this had never happened in Kenya and that he hoped that there would never be a repeat.

In addition, Wetang'ula affirmed Kenyans' right to peaceful protest under constitutional principles but urged strict adherence to non-violence and respect for all.

"Kenyans have the right to picket and demonstrate peacefully, a right that has continued to be enjoyed by all. However, there is a need to exercise absolute restraint, caution and respect for all by ensuring that such demonstrations are carried out in a peaceful manner that allows for the co-existence of all, both the protesters and the non-protesters alike."

The speaker also consoled families whose relatives died in the protests and wished those in various hospitals a quick recovery.

Protesters not allied to any politician have rallied against the contentious bill, which MPs passed on Tuesday, and insist they will carry on with the demonstrations which are now in their second week.

The Occupy Parliament protesters on Tuesday broke through barricades, stole various items, and set a building and vehicles on fire. They were battled by heavily armed police officers who shot at them and in the air.

As a result of the chaos, legislators are taking their recess early.

"This House resolves to alter its calendar as adopted on February 14, 2024, and amended on June 25, 2024...to commence its short recess from today, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, upon adjournment of the Morning Sitting," reads the order paper.

Amid the ongoing turmoil in the country, Parliament has introduced a motion to advance and extend the upcoming recess toJuly 23, 2024.