Tension over Gen Z demos force MPs to adjourn early

MPs were forced to cut short their sitting yesterday amid growing security concerns as anti-government demonstrators massed near Parliament Buildings, reviving memories of last year’s violent breach of the legislative complex.

The lawmakers had defiantly convened at 9:30am under heavy police presence, with a total of six motions and four bills were scheduled for deliberations. 

However, the session was abruptly adjourned at 11:45am – well ahead of the usual 1:00pm closing – after MPs scheduled to move critical motions failed to appear.

“Honourable members, time now being 15 minutes to midday, this House stands adjourned until 2:30pm today,” announced Ugenya MP David Ochieng’, who chaired the tense sitting. Legislators were later seen hastily exiting the Bunge Tower complex as security forces locked down the precinct.

Some of the motions lined up were the formulation of a regulatory framework on artificial intelligence in the country (Marianne Kitany), the expansion of major roads in the country to dual carriageways (Faith Gitau), the implementation of universal health coverage and a policy on the mandatory use of public healthcare facilities by public officers (Sabina Chege).

Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi was also to move a motion on the formulation of a land-use policy on zoning of land for agriculture and built development, while Charles Ngusya (Mwingi West) was to prosecute a motion on a reward scheme for accomplishments by sports persons in international competitions.

The House was also forced to cancel a number of scheduled committee sittings with no reason given. Some of the committees scheduled included Environment, Forestry and Mining and the Public Investment Committee on Education and Governance.

The PIC, chaired by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, was to meet Kisii University, Mukiria Technical Training Institute and Karatina University. 

The same committee was to meet Garissa University, Nyandarua National Polytechnic and Murang’a University in the afternoon.

Speaking to the Star, Wamboka noted most of the witnesses could not make it to Parliament. 

“Our clients could not come because of the prevailing situation,” the Bumula MP said.

The Environment committee, chaired by Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, was also scheduled to meet Environment PS Festus Ng’eno over alleged dumping of toxic and nuclear waste in Northeastern Kenya. 

Musyoka’s team was also to meet Forestry PS Gitonga Mugambi over the alleged undervaluation of Moi International Airport and the construction of a hotel in Ngong’ Forest.

Security was heavy within and outside Parliament, with access denied to all road users save for MPs who were facilitated to access the House. 

Also allowed access were Parliamentary staff members. Pedestrians and other unauthorised persons were not allowed near the facility that was stormed by angry protesters last year.

“Today we are only allowing MPs and parliamentary staff,” a Parliament security officer told the Star.