Parliament suffered Sh94M in damages in anti-Finance Bill protests – Wetang’ula

Property worth Sh94 million was destroyed during last month's anti-Finance Bill protests when Parliament was invaded, according to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula. 

Wetangula, while addressing the media on Monday, revealed the details, saying the assessment and valuation were done by an insurance firm.

"That is the damage we suffered. So the insurance firm has taken up the matter," he said.

The Speaker highlighted that when the protestors invaded Parliament buildings on June 25, 2024, they broke the furniture, damaged the buildings, and even smashed the television screen.

However, Wetang'ula said that taxpayers will not incur any costs as the insurance company will replace all the items, including repairing damaged structures. He also noted that no Member of Parliament or staff suffered injuries or lost their lives during the invasion.

The Occupy Parliament protesters on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, broke through parliament barricades while opposing the passage of the Finance Bill, 2024, which MPs passed that morning with 195 votes against 106. 

The protesters uprooted the national flag within Parliament precincts, with reports indicating that a number of them were shot before breaching the perimeter wall. 

Nairobi County Police Commander Adamson Bungei consults with officers at the entrance to Parliament ahead of protests on July 2, 2024.

A section of Parliament that houses offices was also set on fire as protesters stormed the buildings, accompanied by heavy gunfire from police officers. 

Many valuable items were vandalised, including critical equipment used to facilitate sittings at the August House, flags were torn, and windows were broken.

As a result, members of the National Assembly proceeded for an early recess and are set to resume sitting on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

Condemning the violence, the Speaker, who is also Chairperson of the Parliamentary Service Commission, expressed deep concern over the invasion's aftermath, noting the damage and desecration inflicted upon Parliament's grounds.

"The gory images of wanton destruction of property and the desecration of the Parliamentary Square by individuals masquerading as youth and peaceful protesters are highly regrettable," he said.

Wetang'ula said the invasion had shaken the country to the core, resulting in the loss of lives close to the precincts of Parliament. "The sanctity of Parliament has been violated, lives have been needlessly lost and the foundation of our democracy has been tested in ways we never imagined," he said.

"Our sacred institution faced a grievous breach of security and an unforgivable act of violence," he added.

Police enhance security outside Parliament on June 18, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)