Parliament to Extend Sittings to Midnight Amid June 25 Protest Tensions
Kenyans are bracing for a tense June 25, as Parliament plans to extend its sitting hours to midnight despite looming youth-led protests. Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah confirmed the extension during a House session on Tuesday.
“Allow me to move the procedural motion, order number 8, that pursuant to the provision of Standing Orders 33(a) and (b) on hours of meeting; this House resolves to extend the afternoon session of Wednesday, June 25, and Thursday, June 26 to midnight,” Ichung’wah announced.
Extended Hours to Tackle Urgent Bills
Ichung’wah explained that the extended sittings were necessary to finalize key legislation before the short recess. Among the priority bills are the Supplementary Appropriation Bill and the Virtual Assets Bill, alongside several other pending discussions.
“The House has also resolved to hold a morning sitting on Thursday, June 26, commencing at 9:30 am to allow us to conclude all the important business we have before the short recess,” he added.
He noted the decision was unanimously reached by the House Business Committee in a meeting earlier that day.
Support from the Majority Whip
His motion received instant support from Majority Party Whip, Sylvanus Osoro, who echoed the urgency of the situation.
“Looking at the calendar of this House, we will be proceeding to recess on Thursday. It is for us to dispense with all the business we have before leaving,” Osoro said.
“With that, I beg to second the motion.”
Protest Tension Looms
June 25 is not just another day for Parliament—it is symbolic for many Kenyans. It marks the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-finance bill protests, where scores of youth lost their lives.
Last year, chaos erupted as angry demonstrators stormed Parliament while MPs were in session. Lawmakers had to flee through underground escape routes. Some were even carried out in ambulances as violent clashes intensified.
Now, exactly a year later, demonstrators have vowed to return to the streets. Their goal: to honor the fallen and continue pushing against controversial bills.
Heavy Security Deployment
With intelligence pointing to possible unrest, security has been beefed up around Parliament and other government installations, including State House. Police officers are on high alert as tension builds across Nairobi.
All eyes are now fixed on how Parliament will manage to balance legislative duties with the threat of nationwide demonstrations knocking on their doors.
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Parliament to Extend Sittings to Midnight Amid June 25 Protest Tensions
