- Ghanaian MPs and Clerk safe after Kenya protests.
- Protests sparked by new taxes introduced by Kenyan government.
- Protestors stormed Senate House, causing damage and casualties.
- Ghanaian delegation in Kenya for study tour.
Ghanaian MPs and Clerk Safe Amidst Kenya’s Violent Protests Five Ghanaian members of Parliament and a Clerk of Parliament are safe, according to Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, despite being caught up in violent protests at the Kenya Senate House.
The Kenyan Parliament was besieged by a youth group protesting the introduction of new taxes by the government. The Ghanaian delegation, part of the Local Government Committee, was in Kenya on a study tour to learn about Kenyan National Benchmarking and fiscal financing of local governance.
They were meeting with the Kenyan Finance Committee when the protestors stormed the Senate House, breaking the gate, vandalizing the National Chamber, and ransacking the pantry. The youth protestors overshadowed the military and had access to the Parliament House, leading to 13 reported deaths, hundreds of injuries, and over 200 arrests.
The protests began in May, with younger Kenyans criticizing the proposed “2024 Finance Bill” and mobilizing online using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Peaceful protests started on June 18, leading to arrests and amendments to the bill on June 19. However, the youth protestors plan to continue their protest at the Statehouse to prevent President Ruto from assenting to the bill. Nii Lantey Vanderpuye described the scene as “horrible,” with the Police running away and the soldiers unable to stop the protestors.
The Ghanaian delegation, along with delegations from Namibia and Malawi, was ushered into a tunnel for safety and later moved to a committee room upstairs. Despite the chaos, Vanderpuye confirmed that all members and the Clerk are safe and hope to continue their business when possible.
