Youth-led protests have swept across Kenya in response to a controversial finance bill, culminating in dramatic scenes on Tuesday, June 26. Protesters breached the parliament grounds by breaking through fences.
Once inside, they vandalized the parliament building, tearing down flags, overturning furniture, seizing the ceremonial mace, and setting parts of the assembly on fire. Lawmakers present had to flee for safety through underground tunnels.
The unrest extended to looting shops and clubs associated with MPs. Police responded by firing live ammunition and tear gas at demonstrators in Nairobi. Reports also emerged of paramedics being assaulted and arrested while treating injured protesters.
Despite these measures, protesters remain resolute, signaling their intent to continue until their demands are met.
In a national address, President Ruto characterized Tuesday’s events as a serious threat to national security, attributing the escalation to what he termed as “dangerous elements” hijacking the discourse around the finance bill.
“It is not in order, or even conceivable, that criminals pretending to be peaceful protesters can rain terror against the people, their elected representatives, and the institutions established under our constitution and expect to go scot-free,” the president said.
Ruto emphasized the need to distinguish between democratic expression and criminal behavior, pledging a robust government response to the situation. Following his remarks, Aden Duale, the Defense Cabinet Secretary and Chairperson of the Defense Council, announced the deployment of the Kenyan Defense Forces (KDF) to “assist” the police in maintaining order on the streets.
