Wetangula terms 2024 parliament invasion a ‘tough moment’ that nearly took his life

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has described the June 2024 parliament invasion as one of his most difficult moments.

During the June 25 incident, demonstrators stormed the National Assembly in protest of the 2024 Finance Bill, which had just been passed by Members of Parliament.

The invasion, Wetangula says, was his toughest test, having previously served various capacities in the National Assembly and the Senate.

“One of the most difficult moments was during the riots that engulfed the country and led to the invasion of Parliament,” he recalled. “It nearly cost me my life.”

Speaking during an interview with RMS Luhya vernacular stations, the veteran legislator reflected on the unrest caused by anti-tax laws.

According to the Speaker, intelligence and security advice forced him to adjourn the House and leave the chamber amid growing chaos. What happened shortly after still haunts him.

“I left the chamber, and about ten minutes later, a strange fellow sat on the Speaker’s chair,” Wetangula revealed. “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.”

He described the incident as the lowest point Parliament has experienced under his leadership.

“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.

On the fateful day, MPs had to scamper for safety after protesters breached parliamentary security and accessed the chambers.

A number of protesters were shot dead when police used excessive force to disperse hundreds of Kenyans who had accessed the parliament buildings.