AfriPulse
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has recalled the June 25, 2024, invasion of Parliament as a terrifying experience that shook him deeply and nearly cost him his life.
The attack occurred when angry demonstrators forcefully entered the National Assembly to protest the passage of the 2024 Finance Bill.
Reflecting on the chaos, Wetang’ula described it as the most harrowing episode in his long political career, which has included leadership roles in both the Senate and the National Assembly.
“One of the most difficult moments was during the riots that engulfed the country and led to the invasion of Parliament,” he said. “It nearly cost me my life.”
Speaking to RMS Luhya vernacular stations, Wetang’ula said growing unrest and intelligence warnings forced him to suspend proceedings and leave the chamber for his safety. What followed, he said, remains a vivid and alarming memory.
“I left the chamber, and about ten minutes later, a strange fellow sat on the Speaker’s chair,” Wetang’ula 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 in that chair.”
He called the invasion the lowest point in Parliament during his tenure but noted that difficult moments are part of 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 added.
During the violent breach, MPs were forced to evacuate quickly as protesters surged into the chambers. Security forces responded with live ammunition, resulting in several demonstrator deaths as they tried to control the chaos.
Beyond the immediate danger to lawmakers, Wetang’ula highlighted the extensive destruction caused by the invasion. Speaking to the media, he revealed that property worth Sh94 million was damaged.
“The damages caused, as assessed by our insurer, amount to Sh94 million. That is the damage we suffered. We had an insurance cover, so the company is taking steps,” he said.
Most of the destruction stemmed from broken furniture, destroyed digital equipment, and a fire that affected part of the building. Wetang’ula confirmed that Parliament Buildings were insured, and the insurance company will cover the necessary repairs.
Following the invasion, police arrested several individuals suspected of participating in the attack. President William Ruto later suggested the breach appeared to have been carried out by organised criminals who specifically targeted the Parliament armoury.
“How did the criminals know there was an armoury and a mausoleum in Parliament? They went straight for the armoury and mausoleum, indicating they were organised criminals,” he stated.
Source: NairobiWire.com | Read the Full Story…
