How MPs were forced to flee as Gen Z protests in Nairobi degenerated into chaos

The National Assembly was yesterday forced to adjourn due to protests marking the first anniversary of the killings of young protesters witnessed last year during the anti-Finance Bill protests.

Despite assembling early in the morning for the sitting, ready to tackle the business of the day, the proceedings could not proceed as expected.

Temporary Speaker David Ochieng’ was forced to adjourn as most of the Members of Parliament who were expected to table the key motions of the day failed to show up.

“This House stands adjourned until 2:30 pm today,” Ochieng’, who is also the Ugenya MP, declared.

The adjournment marked the end of the session, which was very tense. The afternoon did not also take place.

The MPs were escorted out of Parliament precincts by anti-riot police officers.

Multiple committees also cancelled scheduled sittings without explanation due to the unrest in the Nairobi CBD.

Among those cancelled were the Environment, Forestry and Mining Committee and the Public Investment Committee on Education and Governance committees.

Speaking later, Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka said many of those expected for the committee sessions were unable to reach Parliament.

“Most of the witnesses could not make it,” he said.

Among the motions lined up was a proposal by Aldai MP Marianne Kitany, which seeks to establish a regulatory framework on artificial intelligence and another by Nyeri County’s Faith Gitau pushing for the expansion of key roads into dual carriageways.

Nominated MP Sabina Chege had also been scheduled to move a motion calling for the full implementation of universal health coverage and for public officers to exclusively use public hospitals.

Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi had also been expected to table his motion on formulating a national land-use policy that separates agricultural zones from residential and commercial development.

Mwingi West’s Charles Ngusya was expected to propose a motion on creating a reward scheme for athletes who excel in international competitions.

Lawyer Willis Ochieng criticised the move by MPs, saying it was was symbolic and shameful that the lawmakers were too afraid to face the public they claim to represent. He likened the retreat to a total collapse of political courage and accountability.

“You want to tell me MPs can’t walk the same roads as other Kenyans, that they have to escape through underground tunnels? “Yet it’s taxpayers who sustain their offices,” he said during an interview with a local radio station.

Last year, MPs were also forced to escape after protesters stormed the House and got into the Chamber and setting part of the Assembly on fire.

At the time, some of the legislators fled Parliament using ambulances.