The National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi has urged government to withdraw the heavily armed police officers around Parliament buildings.

Speaking at the floor of the House on Thursday June 20, 2024, Wandayi sought Speaker Wetangula’s intervention, arguing that the heavy police presence at Parliament was impeding lawmakers’ ability to enter the chambers to take part in the ongoing debate on the controversial Finance Bill 2024.

The Minority Leader was referring to the anti-riot police officers who were surrounding parliament to prevent demonstrators from reaching entering the National Assembly.

“Mr. Speaker, as you can see, the house is not full and some members are finding it difficult to pass through the police blockades to access the House. I have personally had to struggle to get here,” stated Wandayi.

He continued, “The issue is that the entire Parliament precinct is cordoned off by individuals who appear to be police officers. We live in a democratic country, and this house symbolizes our democracy. No one in this country has the authority to establish a blockade around Parliament. There has been no state of emergency declared under the constitution.”

“Can the speaker direct the Inspector General of Police to withdraw the officers who have turned this house into what resembles a military installation. It is an affront to our democracy for Parliament to be treated this way,” Wandayi added.

Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, however, disregarded Wandayi’s comments, saying that the police were only carrying out their independent duty to maintain law and order for both legislators and demonstrators taking part in the ‘Occupy Parliament’ demonstration, which was intended to persuade legislators to reject the Finance Bill.

“We must respect our 2010 constitution and the independent offices it establishes. The National Police Service operates independently. They do not take instructions from Parliament or the President. They carry out their duties independently,” said Osoro.

“Police are present to ensure security even for those demonstrating. As we were coming to this house this morning, what you see are police officers waiting for the protesters so they can ensure their security,” Osoro explained.

Speaker Wetangula responded by assuring the House that the Clerk and the Sergeant-at-arms will investigate the situation at hand.

“Rest assured that you are safe at all times. I will direct the Clerk and Sergeant-at-Arms to liaise with the police to ascertain the situation so that I can respond based on accurate information,” he said, calling the House to order to commence the debate on the Finance Bill.