Video: MPs Halt Proceedings, Leave Parliament in Huff as Gen Z Protests Gain Momentum
- The National Assembly abruptly adjourned its Wednesday, June 25 session after failing to meet quorum as Gen Z protests swept across the country
- Only a handful of MPs turned up, with many fleeing parliament as protests built outside and tension gripped Nairobi’s CBD
- The morning sitting had been planned to debate key bills, but lawmakers exited amid rising calls for justice and accountability
- Outside, youth demonstrators marked one year since the 2024 crackdown, reigniting pressure on leaders over police brutality
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - A clearly tense morning in parliament has ended in an abrupt adjournment on Wednesday, June 25.
Source: Getty Images
This happened as lawmakers hastily left the National Assembly amid surging nationwide protests led by Gen Z.
The morning sitting, which was scheduled to debate six motions and four key bills, was cut short after the House failed to meet the minimum quorum required to proceed.
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According to Article 121 of the Constitution of Kenya, at least 50 MPs must be present for business to continue.
But only a handful showed up, prompting the speaker to adjourn the session just one hour in.
The official reason given was the lack of quorum, but outside Parliament buildings, the reason felt far more immediate.
How did Kenyan MPs leave parliament?
Across Nairobi’s central business district and in other towns around the country, Gen Z-led protests were gaining momentum.
The demonstrators, mostly young Kenyans, had taken to the streets to commemorate the victims of the brutal 2024 crackdown during anti-Finance Bill protests.
Their demands this year were justice for the slain, accountability from leaders, and an end to excessive state violence.
Parliament quickly became a flashpoint with memories still fresh of last year’s events when enraged protesters stormed the Assembly and set part of the complex ablaze.
In videos circulating online, MPs were seen driving out of Parliament in quick succession, their convoys manoeuvring through streets already swelling with youth demonstrators.
How did Kenya police secure parliament?
In a related report, ahead of the planned Gen Z memorial protests marking the first anniversary of last year’s finance-bill demonstrations, Nairobi authorities fortified Parliament Road with razor wire and barred access to the CBD.
The move aimed to prevent disruption near government buildings, including the Parliament and State House.
Gen Z protesters vowed a peaceful rally demanding justice for victims of police brutality and systemic reforms.
Source: Twitter
Youth leaders emphasised respect for the law, while Inspector General Douglas Kanja warned against incitement, spreading false information, or attempts to breach protected zones
Security was under heavy deployment with anti-riot units manning key junctions, especially near Yaya Centre and the DOD roundabout, to enforce closures of PSVs and boda bodas.
The CBD remained eerily quiet as most shops shut early, and checkpoint security increased
Some opposition leaders criticised the barricades, claiming that public access to Parliament used to be open, and now the barriers suggest fear from the authorities.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen supported the police action, pledging protection of livelihoods and safety while warning of arrest for anyone bringing weapons like machetes or clubs to the demonstrations.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
