Unprecedented Damage: How Parliament Building Was Invaded and Vandalized

The invasion of Parliament, which occurred simultaneously with extensive damage to the offices of MPs, was an unprecedented event in the history of this country.

One must go back 117 years to when the Kenyan Parliament first began to experience a high level of prestige due to its buildings and surroundings. At that time, Parliament was known as the Legislative Council (LegCo) and was located on Haile Selassie Avenue.

“The structure of the Parliament buildings, the respect, dignity, the attire of the Speaker and MPs, and the procedures of the activities were designed to signify great honor, which is why they were even called ‘honorable’,” states a book on the history of Parliament.

However, yesterday, the Parliament that began its sessions in 1907 was invaded by the impoverished, a stark contrast to the affluent who spend much of their time working, eating, and relaxing there.

Young people angered by the passing of the 2024 Finance Bill saw nothing honorable as they stormed in and caused shocking destruction.

Meanwhile, the MPs who had participated in passing the contentious bill were being hunted down in various parts of the country.

Molo MP Kuria Kimani, Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), Zaheer Jhanda (Nyaribari Chache), Emathe Namuar (Turkana Central), David Gikaria (Nakuru East), Samuel Arama (Nakuru West), and Paul Chebor (Rongai) were among the MPs whose private residences, businesses, or offices were targeted.