Nairobi, June 28, 2024 — In a remarkable turn of events during recent anti-finance bill protests, demonstrators stormed Kenya’s National Assembly, coming close to desecrating the tomb of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s first president.
The incident, which took place on June 25, saw a mix of chaos and unexpected restraint as protesters vented their anger over the controversial bill.
The mass protests erupted in response to the government's proposed 2024 finance bill, which has sparked widespread public outrage due to its perceived heavy burden on taxpayers.
Protesters gathered in large numbers, culminating in the dramatic breach of the parliament buildings. The invasion led to significant damage as demonstrators shattered windows, vandalized furniture, and looted items from the premises, including ceremonial artifacts and uniforms.
Amidst this upheaval, a group of protesters set their sights on the mausoleum of Jomo Kenyatta, a revered figure in Kenyan history who led the country to independence and served as its first president until his death in 1978. His tomb, located within the parliament grounds, is a symbol of national heritage and respect.
Despite the stringent security typically afforded to such a critical government site, the protesters managed to infiltrate the area, with some intending to burn the mausoleum.
One protester even climbed atop the crypt, ready to set it ablaze, when an unexpected intervention occurred. A woman among the demonstrators, realizing the gravity of the potential act, stepped forward and pleaded with the crowd to halt their plans.
She argued that Kenyatta’s resting place should be respected and that desecrating it would be an unjust act against a figure who played no role in the current controversies.
In a video capturing the moment, she is heard urging, “Let us not destroy that, please. No. We are rejecting that. We can't destroy it, guys. We can have a view of it but let us not set it on fire. Close that gate. That is Mzee Kenyatta's mausoleum, we are not going to burn it, what is his mistake?”
Her impassioned plea struck a chord with the protesters, who decided to abandon their plan to burn the tomb. They closed the gate to the mausoleum and moved on, focusing their actions on other parts of the parliamentary complex instead.
This act of restraint amidst the chaos stood in stark contrast to the widespread vandalism occurring elsewhere. The demonstrators continued their rampage, causing substantial damage to the facilities but leaving the mausoleum unharmed.
In a separate incident during the parliament breach, a group of young protesters displayed a surprising act of compassion. They came to the aid of Jackson Kosgei, a nominated lawmaker who uses a wheelchair.
Separated from his security team amid the turmoil, Kosgei found himself stranded and vulnerable.
The protesters, upon noticing his plight, helped him safely navigate to an underground tunnel leading to Bunge Towers, away from the immediate danger.
Kosgei, who is also the father of gospel singer Emmy Kosgei, later expressed his gratitude for the assistance he received during the chaotic events. His story adds a layer of complexity to the protest narrative, demonstrating that even amid aggressive demonstrations, moments of humanity and solidarity can emerge.
The protests against the finance bill, characterized by their intensity and the breach of the National Assembly, continue to unfold as the government faces mounting pressure to address public grievances.
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