Two years have passed since the historic Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024 shook the foundations of Kenyan politics. As citizens take to the streets today to mark the second anniversary, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has shared a raw and emotional account of the day that saw protesters breach the gates of Parliament.
For many, the defining image of that afternoon was Mr Owino jumping over the Parliament perimeter fence. He sought to reach the young protesters who were facing off against security forces. The MP has now broken his silence on the motivations behind that act and the trauma of the day.
Inside the Chambers
As the tension peaked on 25 June 2024, the lawmaker was inside the building. He describes a stark contrast between the legislative proceedings and the chaos unfolding just yards away.
"On this particular day, I was in Parliament, continuing to play my role of checks and balances and representing my electorate," Mr Owino shared.
The Sound of Gunfire
The MP’s reflection captures the moment the protest turned deadly. He describes the heavy weight of leadership as he realised the scale of the violence occurring at the gates.
In his own words: "Minutes later, we could hear gunfire. People were being shot. As an elected leader, I knew I had a responsibility not to let our young people die just outside the Parliament gates."
This sense of duty is what led to the widely circulated footage of Mr Owino scaling the gates to intervene. It was a moment that cemented his image as a "comrade" to the Gen Z movement, though he maintains the day was "one of the most painful" of his entire career.
A Growing Legacy
Reports from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) from 2024 indicated that at least 39 people lost their lives during the weeks of protest. Many of those deaths occurred during the storming of Parliament on June 25th.
Today, as Kenyans gather once again to honour those who died, the MP’s message remains focused on the loss of life. His heartbreak is evident as he joins the nation in mourning.
He concluded his reflection with a final tribute to those who never made it home: "May the souls of our fallen comrades continue resting in peace. This day will forever remain in our memories." He added simply that they remain "forever in our hearts."
