Kenyan Members of Parliament have been assured of their safety in the legislative chambers as they prepare to resume House sittings on Monday, July 22.
In a communiqué dated July 19, National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge referenced the “traumatic events of June 25, 2024,” when parliament was invaded during anti-Finance Bill protests, emphasizing the need to ensure MPs’ safety in any unforeseen events. He stated that appropriate measures have been implemented to restore normalcy in Parliament, allowing MPs to perform their duties in a secure environment.
“Your security and safety at the workplace remain a key priority in these plans. As public servants, let us lean on our usual resilience, impartiality, professionalism, and solidarity to enable us to rebuild and continue serving the Nation and our institution with excellence,” Njoroge said.
Njoroge also acknowledged the commendable efforts of certain individuals who ensured the swift evacuation of leaders when protesters breached the premises.
“Allow me, in a special way, to single out our officers from the Directorate of Sergeant-at-Arms, the Directorate of Security and Safety Services, and the Department of Hospitality Services,” he added. “As we move forward from that unfortunate episode, I urge us to retain and enhance our spirit of fellowship and caring for each other.”
At the height of the nationwide protests, Parliament agreed to a two-week recess starting June 28, following the conclusion of budget-related activities.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah moved the motion, noting that the recess would allow legislators to gather feedback from their constituents through public participation on the NGCDF proposals, after the kitty was increased by Ksh.30 million.
In response to mounting pressure, President William Ruto withdrew the Bill on June 26, rendering it obsolete.
