Thursday, February 13, 2025
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MP Narrates Coming Face to Face with Protesters at Parliament Lounge

Nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Bishop Jackson Kosgei has recounted the harrowing ordeal he experienced when anti-finance bill protestors stormed the National Assembly on June 25. 

Kosgei explained that on the fateful day, MPs were conducting their business and that focus for the day was on voting on the Finance Bill.

“We were inside the chamber and all of a sudden our fellow members from the other side of the house came out and some of us continued to wait,” Kosgei recalled. 

“Within a twinkle of an eye we heard that our young men were already coming through, and everybody now was looking for an escape route.”

Nominated MP Bishop Jackson Kosgei. PHOTO/ Kosgei
Nominated MP Bishop Jackson Kosgei. PHOTO/ Kosgei

Kosgei Narrates the Ordeal

The MP stated that he did not manage to flee with other MPs and was left behind with his colleague MP Rose Museu who uses crutches and made a choice to face the angry youth.

“Unfortunately, there is an evacuation route- out of the parliament but is not friendly to the users of the wheelchair and it was getting worst,” he said.

“I and my sister Museu made a choice to face the young men and stayed in the private member’s lounge.”


Also Read: IMF Responds After Ruto’s Move to Withdraw Finance Bill


He further recounted that the youth eventually found them inside, but fortunately, they recognized him and were also aware of his stance on the Finance Bill.

He stated that the protestors told him they were not bad people, as had been portrayed, but rather citizens agitating for their rights.

“They came and found us there and looked at me and said we know you are a good man. Please allow us to escort you outside the building because what might happen now inside here is not good for both of you,” he said.

Kosgei added that the gentlemen rescued them from the parliament building peacefully despite the anger.

“They requested that I allow them to escort me out of the building for my security. “They explained that they were not bad people and were only fighting for their rights,” Kosgei said.

“The youth asked if I wanted an uber. I asked them to lead me to a certain corner and they walked me to a safe place. I want to thank those young men who saved my life.”

Another MP Recounts His Experience

On his part, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji narrated how he escaped after the youthful protesters stormed the Kenyan Parliament.


Also Read: Wetang’ula Breaks Silence After Parliament Invasion


“It was chaotic. I was in the Parliament building during a session and during the voting, the chambers are closed, and I decided to go and have a meal with my friend Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene,” he said.

“After just two minutes, we saw the chefs rushing towards us, informing us that the protesters had entered the Parliament. I quickly left my meal, took off my tie, stuffed it in my pocket, and removed my shirt and remained with a coat.”

Mukunji said he ran towards the roundabout at Harambee Avenue and attempted to enter Harambee House to access KICC, but the police stopped hm as no one was allowed to enter.

He added at the time, he was not being recognized as an MP as he sneaked away and found a way to KICC, into his office.

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Protestors in Nairobi on June 25, 2024. PHOTO/ TKT
Protestors in Nairobi on June 25, 2024. PHOTO/ TKT

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Annah Nanjala Wekesa

Annah Nanjala Wekesa is a journalist at The Kenya Times, with a passion for crafting news-worthy stories that leave a lasting impact. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media from Kisii University. She has honed her skills in the art of storytelling and journalism. Her passion lies in the art of storytelling that resonates with audiences, driving a commitment to delivering news-worthy stories through the lens of integrity and precision. She can be reached at annah.wekesa@thekenyatimes.com

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