Parliament Suspends Committee Meetings Amid Fears of Gen Z Protests

Strategic Insights -

Parliament's Bunge Tower, once vibrant with activity, fell silent as both the Senate and National Assembly suspended committee meetings due to fears of unrest over the first anniversary of the storming of Parliament in honor of individuals killed during anti-government protests last year. The development stems from the brutal killing of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang' in police custody and the shooting of mask vendor Boniface Kariuki by police, fueling anger amongst Kenyans. Activists and MPs allied to the opposition joined the protests, while police were on high alert, with heightened security and anti-riot officers armed to the teeth.

Key Takeaways:

  • 2 Senate watchdog committees, Senate County Public Accounts Committee and Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, suspended their meetings, with the latter set to meet the county government in Bomet on Thursday.
  • Activist-turned-politician, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, joined the protestors, while MPs allied to the opposition laid flowers outside Parliament.
  • At the National Assembly, the Public Investment Committee - Education and Governance had to postpone its meeting as youth took on the police in Nairobi streets.
  • The cost of damage caused during last year's protests is estimated at Sh200 million.
  • National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge admitted that the situation could have been avoided had Parliament adopted clear and effective communication, particularly concerning the budget cycle and the financing of the national budget.
  • The clerk said he had never felt as low as he did on that day, describing it as "one of the darkest days for all Kenyans."

Statistics:

  • Estimated cost of damage caused during last year's protests: Sh200 million
  • Number of people injured by gunfire during last year's protests: at least 50
  • Number of people killed during last year's protests: at least 5 and over 60 people overall
  • Number of senate watchdog committees that suspended their meetings: 2

Sources:

  • "Parliament suspends committee meetings amid fears of Gen Z protests" by [Anonymous Author], [Anonymous Publication], [No Date]
  • Interview with National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge [No Date]
  • "Kesses MP Julius Rutto: 'When you state you will march to the State House to take over, is that commemorating the 63 lives?'" [Anonymous Source], [Anonymous Publication], [No Date]
  • "MP Rose Museo shares harrowing experience during Gen Z protests" [Anonymous Author], [Anonymous Publication], [No Date]