Protesting Kenyans Disrupt Senate with Loud Kasongo Lyrics, Forcing Lawmakers to Intervene
Nairobi, Kenya – March 18, 2025:
Chaos erupted outside the Kenyan Senate as striking Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers disrupted proceedings by blaring Super Mazembe’s classic song Kasongo on repeat. The song, often linked to President William Ruto in online discourse, echoed across Parliament, making it difficult for senators to conduct business.
Loud Music Disrupts Senate Session
The noisy protest, which lasted for nearly five hours, left lawmakers frustrated. The health workers, demanding better employment terms and salary harmonization, used the song as a symbolic protest against the government’s inaction.
Inside the Senate, Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi raised concerns over the persistent noise, stating that it had made the working environment unbearable.
“We are busy in this house, and the environment is not conducive. Is this intentional music? Maybe the sergeant-at-arms should ask them to submit their petitions silently,” Murungi pleaded.
Speaker Kingi Calls for Dialogue
Speaker Amason Kingi acknowledged the disruption and noted that the same song had been playing for hours. However, he opposed using force to disperse the protesters, instead advocating for dialogue.
“Whatever their grievances, the leadership should go and listen to them. Pick their memorandum and thereafter ask them to retreat while Parliament looks into their issues,” Kingi suggested.
To resolve the matter, he nominated Senators Boni Khalwale, Edwin Sifuna, and Kathuri Murungi to meet the workers and collect their petitions.
Senators Divided on Engaging Protesters
Khalwale refused to participate, stating that he had already spoken with the workers the previous week. This left Sifuna and Murungi to engage with the demonstrators alone.
Meanwhile, Kingi urged senators to be patient and see the protest as a sign of public trust in Parliament.
“Their presence here shows confidence in you as leaders. It is our duty to offer them a shoulder to lean on and find solutions to their concerns,” he emphasized.
Tensions Remain as Protesters Stand Firm
Despite attempts at negotiation, the health workers remained resolute, continuing their protest until late in the evening. Their demands include fair pay, permanent employment contracts, and improved working conditions.
As the standoff persists, it remains unclear whether Parliament will act swiftly to address their grievances. Meanwhile, Kenyans continue to debate the significance of Kasongo as the soundtrack to a growing wave of discontent against the government.
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Protesting Kenyans Disrupt Senate with Loud Kasongo Lyrics, Forcing Lawmakers to Intervene
