Tuesday’s nationwide protests against the contentious Finance Bill 2024 reached a climax in Nairobi with demonstrators breaching Parliament buildings, leading to President William Ruto’s late-evening denunciation of the events as treasonous.
The unrest in Nairobi, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the Finance Bill, saw angry crowds breaking through police barricades around 3 pm. Despite a heavy police presence, demonstrators surged past the barriers following the bill’s passage in the legislature. The bill now awaits President Ruto’s assent to become law.
As the protestors stormed Parliament, significant property damage occurred. The ceremonial mace, symbolizing the authority of the legislature, was stolen. Parts of the building were vandalized, with a section even set on fire, highlighting the intensity of public outrage.
In a stern address to the nation, President Ruto labeled the day’s events as acts of treason. His condemnation reflects the severity with which the government views the breach of Parliament and the symbolic theft of the mace.
Treason, one of the most serious crimes, typically involves acts that betray one’s country or sovereign, such as attempting to overthrow the government. In Kenya, the legal definition includes any act that threatens the integrity and sovereignty of the state.
Given the symbolic significance of Parliament and the mace, the breach and subsequent vandalism can be seen as direct attacks on the nation’s democratic institutions. The label of treason underscores the gravity of the situation and signals potential severe repercussions for those involved.
Public opinion remains deeply divided. While some view the protests as a legitimate expression of democratic dissent against an unpopular bill, others see the breach of Parliament as an unacceptable crossing of a line.
As the Finance Bill 2024 awaits presidential assent, the government faces a crucial decision: whether to address the underlying issues fueling public unrest or to take a hardline stance against the protestors. The coming days will likely be pivotal in shaping Kenya’s political landscape and addressing the tensions exposed by the protests.
