'This is not a military installation': MP demands withdrawal of police surrounding Parliament amid Finance Bill debate

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Wandayi sought Speaker Wetangula's intervention on the matter, claiming that the substantial police presence at Parliament was hindering legislators from accessing the chambers to participate in the ongoing debate on the contentious Finance Bill 2024.

The Minority Leader suggested that the police blockade preventing demonstrators from reaching Parliament resembled the setup of a military installation.

"Mr. Speaker, as you can see, the house is not full and some members are finding it difficult to pass through the police blockades to access the House. I have personally had to struggle to get here," said Wandayi.

He continued, "The issue is that the entire Parliament precinct is cordoned off by individuals who appear to be police officers. We live in a democratic country, and this house symbolizes our democracy. No one in this country has the authority to establish a blockade around Parliament. There has been no state of emergency declared under the constitution."

"Can the speaker direct the Inspector General of Police to withdraw the officers who have turned this house into what resembles a military installation. It is an affront to our democracy for Parliament to be treated this way," Wandayi added.

However, Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro dismissed Wandayi's remarks, stating that the police were merely exercising their independent mandate to ensure peace and order for both MPs and protesters involved in the 'Occupy Parliament' protest aimed at persuading lawmakers to reject the Finance Bill.

"We must respect our 2010 constitution and the independent offices it establishes. The National Police Service operates independently. They do not take instructions from Parliament or the President. They carry out their duties independently," said Osoro.

"Police are present to ensure security even for those demonstrating. As we were coming to this house this morning, what you see are police officers waiting for the protesters so they can ensure their security," Osoro explained.

In response, Speaker Wetangula assured the House that he had instructed the Clerk and Sergeant-at-Arms to investigate the situation.

"Rest assured that you are safe at all times. I will direct the Clerk and Sergeant-at-Arms to liaise with the police to ascertain the situation so that I can respond based on accurate information," he said, calling the House to order to commence the debate on the Finance Bill.