National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has described the June 2024 invasion of Parliament as one of the most difficult and harrowing moments of his political career.
On June 25, 2024, demonstrators stormed the National Assembly chambers in protest against the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which had just been passed by Members of Parliament. The incident, marked by chaos and violence, forced MPs to flee for safety and left a lasting scar on Kenya’s legislative history.
“It Nearly Cost Me My Life”
Speaking during an interview with RMS Luhya vernacular stations, Wetangula reflected on the unrest triggered by anti-tax protests.
“One of the most difficult moments was during the riots that engulfed the country and led to the invasion of Parliament. It nearly cost me my life,” he recalled.
The Speaker revealed that intelligence and security advice compelled him to adjourn the House and leave the chamber amid growing chaos. What transpired shortly after continues to haunt him.
“I left the chamber, and about ten minutes later, a strange fellow sat on the Speaker’s chair. When he was apprehended, he was found carrying acids, chemicals and spring knives things that would probably have seriously harmed the Speaker had I been on that chair.”
Lowest Point Under His Leadership
Wetangula described the incident as the lowest point Parliament has experienced under his leadership, underscoring the gravity of the breach.
“But when you are in leadership, challenges are part of the game. These are things I don’t want to remember. We leave them behind us and look to the future,” he said.
Chaos and Tragedy
On the fateful day, MPs scrambled for safety as protesters breached parliamentary security and accessed the chambers. The confrontation escalated when police used excessive force, resulting in the deaths of several demonstrators.
The invasion highlighted deep public anger over the Finance Bill and raised serious questions about parliamentary security, governance, and the balance between public dissent and state response.
Looking Ahead
While Wetangula acknowledges the trauma of the incident, he insists that leadership requires resilience and a forward-looking approach. His reflections serve as a reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions when public trust is strained and the importance of safeguarding Parliament as a symbol of national unity and governance.
