Police reportedly thwarted another attempt to burn down Parliament on June 27th 2024. This was just two days after youthful ‘Gen Z’ protesters stormed the building on June 25th. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki made this revelation while addressing the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Second Attempt to Burn Down Parliament
Kindiki explained that at 4 a.m. on June 27, police apprehended a suspect outside Parliament buildings. The suspect is said to have been carrying fuel with the intent to set the premises ablaze. This near-disastrous incident followed the violent invasion of Parliament by protesters on June 25, where anti-Finance Bill demonstrators wreaked havoc. The suspect’s capture prevented what could reportedly have been a severe blow to Kenya’s democratic institutions.
“The torching of Parliament would have paralyzed one of the key arms of government. That would have effectively compromised the country’s democracy,” Kindiki stated. However, he declined to provide further details about the suspect or any formal charges. A spot check by City Digest revealed no charges had been pressed against anyone in connection to the incident
June 25 Parliament Invasion
The June 25 invasion of Parliament was a terrifying ordeal for lawmakers present in Parliament during the voting of the Finance Bill 2024. Several Members of Parliament (MPs) were evacuated under extreme duress, with some transported in ambulances to escape the enraged crowd. The Finance Bill, which proposed a raft of new taxes, sparked widespread outrage across the country. Protesters stormed Parliament, breaching the security perimeter and vandalizing the premises.
Security forces were overwhelmed by the sheer number of demonstrators who targeted Parliament. By the time police regained control, parts of the House had already been torched.
Government Response and Security Concerns
During his address, Kindiki compared the events to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots in the United States, emphasizing the need for improved security around Parliament. He commended law enforcement for preventing further destruction but expressed concern that the attack could have been far worse.
“The individuals who stormed Parliament were not there for a peaceful protest,” Kindiki remarked. “They aimed to cause grave harm, burn down Parliament, and kill members.”
Human Rights Violations During Protests
In the aftermath of the protests, the government’s response has come under intense scrutiny. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, released reports documenting widespread police brutality during the June 25 demonstrations. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), six protesters were killed, and dozens went missing. In total, 61 fatalities have been recorded in connection to the protests up-to-date.
Over 300 people were also illegally detained during the protests, according to KNCHR, sparking demands for government action to address these violations.
