Despite using the military prior to its approval by the National Assembly, Speaker Moses Wetangula has convened a sitting to approve the same.
The KDF deployment is considered by Parliament after being approved. Kimani Ichung’wah, the majority leader, moved the motion today morning.
The National Assembly has convened a special sitting to approve the request by the Defence Council to deploy the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) amid the anti-Finance Bill protests across the country.
The National Assembly is currently considering approving the deployment of KDF in support of the National Police Service in tackling the security situation “until normalcy is restored.”
And, Without Media, Without Most Members, Without Proper Debate, In A Record 30Mins, National Assembly Has Just Made Kenya A Military State; Authorizing Deployment Of KDF Without Indicating Where, Why Or For What Period, & Did So Retrospectively Contra A 241(3)(c). God Bless Us!
— Otiende Amollo, SC,MP, EBS (@OAmollo) June 26, 2024
Following an invasion by anti-Finance Bill 2024 protesters the previous day, Parliament buildings are now off-limits to the media and non-parliamentary staff.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Moses Wetangula, issued a communication regarding the unfortunate and unprecedented events of Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Moses Wetangula, in his opening remarks, said,
I am not a stranger to the conversations that have been going on in this country with regards to the Finance Bill and the general state of the economy of the nation. I laud the youth of this nation for taking the lead in this discourse, and what a privilege it is to be alive at such a time as this to behold our children engage in and shape the course of our nation.
However, to achieve the desired results, these discussions must take place in a structured and meaningful manner within the legal framework. We shall not condone violence, disrespect, wanton destruction of property, or blatant attacks on public institutions.