A Ghanaian Member of Parliament (MP) involved in the deadly protest on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Kenya has confirmed the safety of himself and his four colleagues.
The Ghanaian MPs, leaders of the Local Government Committee of Parliament, were visiting the Kenyan parliament when anti-tax protesters stormed the building.
A video recorded by one of the MPs during the chaos shows the Ghanaian delegation being escorted away from the Kenyan Parliamentary Chamber amid the violent invasion.
Parliamentary Correspondent Nimatu Yakubu Atoyose, one of the five Ghanaian MPs, confirmed that the group is currently in a safe location.
“By God’s grace, we are safe,” the MP said.
The delegation of MPs comprises Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi, representing Odotobiri; Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, representing Odododiodioo; Thomas Nyarko Ampem, representing Asuogyaman; Sylvester Matthew Tetteh, representing Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro; and Mohammed Hardi Tufeiru, representing Nanton.
The unrest, ongoing for several days, escalated to Kenya’s parliament on Tuesday, June 25, when hundreds of protesters stormed the parliamentary complex to express their dissatisfaction with a controversial finance bill proposing tax hikes.
Initially, the bill included a 16% sales tax on bread and a 25% duty on cooking oil. Despite government concessions in response to public outcry, the revised bill, still containing tax increases, was passed on Tuesday.
Approval of the bill intensified public unrest, leading protesters to breach the Parliament of Kenya while it was in session.
According to a BBC report, at least five protesters died as security officials fired live rounds and tear gas. “I witnessed police fatally shoot unarmed young men in front of Kenya’s parliament,” CNN’s Larry Madowo stated.
Upon entering the legislative chambers, protesters reportedly set parts of the building on fire and took the Mace.
President William Ruto, addressing the nation on Tuesday evening, attributed the escalation to organized criminals infiltrating what was intended as a peaceful protest by Kenyans.
The president assured the public of measures being taken to control the situation.