Kenyan Members of Parliament have been assured of their safety as they prepare to resume House sittings on Monday, July 22.
In a communiqué dated July 19, National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge stated that the “traumatic events of June 25, 2024″—when Parliament was invaded during the anti-Finance Bill protests—highlighted the need to ensure MPs’ safety in the event of any unforeseen incidents. He noted that measures have been implemented to restore normalcy in Parliament and enable 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,” he said.
Njoroge also acknowledged the commendable efforts of a few individuals who ensured that the leaders were swiftly moved to safety as protesters entered 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 said.
“As we move forward from that unfortunate episode, I urge us to retain and enhance our spirit of fellowship and caring for each other.”
During the peak of the nationwide protests, Parliament decided to take a two-week recess starting June 28, following the completion of budget-related activities.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah proposed the motion, explaining that the recess would provide legislators with an opportunity to gather feedback from their constituents on the NGCDF proposals, especially after the fund was increased by Ksh.30 million. Under growing pressure, President William Ruto withdrew the Bill on June 26, making it null and void.
