MPs assured of safety in parliament after 'traumatic events of June 25'

In a communiqué dated July 19, National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge said that the "traumatic events of 25th June, 2024" - when parliament was invaded during the anti-Finance Bill protests - prompted the need to safeguard the safety of MPs in the occurrence of any unprecedented event.

He said that appropriate plans have been put in place to expedite a return to normalcy in Parliament and allow MPs to undertake their duties in a conducive 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."

At the height of the nationwide protests, Parliament agreed to go for a two-week recess beginning June 28, following the conclusion of budget-related activities by the House. 

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah moved the motion and pointed out that the recess would allow the legislators to get comments from their constituents through public participation on the NGCDF proposals after the kitty was enhanced by Ksh.30 million. 

Finally bowing to mounting pressure, President William Ruto withdrew the Bill on June 26 rendering it obsolete.