In a highly controversial move, the National Assembly has approved the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to assist police in managing ongoing nationwide protests against the Finance Bill, 2024. The decision, made during a special sitting on Wednesday, has sparked significant debate regarding its legal basis and the manner of its execution.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo voiced his concerns on social media, highlighting the lack of media coverage during the sitting, a departure from the norm in past proceedings. Amollo also questioned whether there was a proper quorum, as the Constitution requires a minimum of 50 members present in the National Assembly for a valid sitting.
Amollo alleged that within just 30 minutes, Parliament had unanimously authorized the military deployment before adjourning for recess. He criticized the process, stating, “Without media, without most members, without proper debate, in a record 30 minutes, the National Assembly has just made Kenya a military state; authorizing deployment of KDF without indicating where, why, or for what period, and did so retrospectively contrary to Article 241(3)(c). God bless us.”
Critics have also raised concerns about the absence of the mace, which symbolizes the authority and dignity of the House, during the sitting. The mace was reportedly seized during protests within the Parliament precincts on Tuesday, and without it, no formal business can be transacted.
Additionally, questions have been raised about why the deployment was gazetted before receiving parliamentary approval.
The National Assembly has now adjourned for recess, set to resume regular sittings on Tuesday, July 23. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, legislators adopted the Finance Bill 2024 with amendments and passed the Appropriations Bill 2024, which successfully navigated the Committee of the Whole House stage.
In the wake of the protests, images emerged online on Wednesday morning showing KDF officers deployed to protect government infrastructure.