Wetangula Recalls 2024 Parliament Invasion as ‘Toughest Moment’ That Nearly Cost Him His Life
Speaking during an interview with RMS Luhya vernacular radio stations, Wetangula reflected on the events of June 25, 2024, when protesters stormed the National Assembly following the passage of the controversial 2024 Finance Bill
By : Mweru Mbugua
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has described the June 2024 invasion of Parliament as the most harrowing experience of his political career, saying the incident nearly claimed his life
Speaking during an interview with RMS Luhya vernacular radio stations, Wetangula reflected on the events of June 25, 2024, when protesters stormed the National Assembly following the passage of the controversial 2024 Finance Bill
The Speaker said the unrest, which spread across the country, marked his toughest test despite having served in various leadership roles in both the National Assembly and the Senate
“One of the most difficult moments was during the riots that engulfed the country and led to the invasion of Parliament,” Wetangula said. “It nearly cost me my life”
According to him, intelligence and security briefings compelled him to adjourn the House and vacate the chamber as the situation deteriorated. What transpired shortly after his exit, he said, remains deeply disturbing
“I left the chamber, and about ten minutes later, a strange fellow sat on the Speaker’s chair,” Wetangula recalled. “When he was apprehended, he was found carrying acids, chemicals and spring knives—things that would probably have seriously harmed the Speaker had I been on that chair”
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Wetangula described the incident as the lowest point Parliament has experienced under his leadership but noted that challenges are an inevitable part of public office
“When you are in leadership, challenges are part of the game,” he said. “These are things I don’t want to remember. We leave them behind us and look to the future”
On the day of the invasion, Members of Parliament were forced to flee for safety after protesters breached security and gained access to the parliamentary chambers. Several protesters were later shot dead as police moved in to disperse crowds, drawing widespread condemnation over the use of excessive force
