Gen-Z Who Stormed Parliament During 2024 Protests Speaks, Says Why He Went Into Hiding

A Kenyan man who went into hiding after storming Parliament during protests over the Finance Bill has broken his silence, revealing why he took part in the 25 June 2024 demonstrations.

Speaking after meeting Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, the man, who only goes by the name Chama, said he joined the protests to push back against the high cost of living and what he described as the government’s failure to listen to ordinary Kenyans.  

“I joined the protests because Kenyans were suffering and the government was not listening. My life was not the same after the protests.

I was among the many people who stormed Parliament. Some of them were murdered, but I managed to go into hiding,” Chama said.

He explained that he decided to resurface after realizing he did not want to live in hiding for the rest of his life.

Chama said the fear of arrest and reprisals kept him underground for months, but he could no longer bear the isolation and uncertainty.

Chama also announced that he had hired Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as his advocate, urging anyone with information or legal concerns about his case to contact the MP, who is also an advocate of the High Court.

Speaking after the meeting, MP Babu thanked Kenyans who participated in the protests against the proposed 2024 Finance Bill.

He affirmed that Chama is among those who were brave enough to fight for what they believed in, and pledged to offer legal support as the man comes forward.

The 2024 Finance Bill protests saw thousands of young Kenyans take to the streets, with several demonstrators losing their lives after security forces moved to disperse crowds that breached Parliament grounds.