“Mr Speaker Sir!”: Gen Z protester who stormed Parliament breaks silence after nearly two years in hiding
A young Kenyan whose dramatic appearance inside Parliament during the height of the 2024 Gen Z protests became one of the defining images of the anti-government demonstrations has resurfaced after spending nearly two years in hiding.
The protester, identified as Chama, shot to national prominence after viral videos captured him inside the National Assembly chambers during the chaotic protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
In the now-famous clips, Chama was seen addressing the Speaker’s seat while chanting anti-government slogans moments after demonstrators breached Parliament buildings in scenes that stunned the nation and exposed the scale of public anger directed at the government.
The June 2024 protests, largely organised by Gen Z activists through social media platforms, erupted across Kenya over proposed tax measures contained in the Finance Bill. Protesters accused the government of imposing punitive taxes at a time when millions of Kenyans were already struggling with the rising cost of living, unemployment and economic hardship.
What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into one of the most serious political crises faced by the Kenya Kwanza administration after protesters overwhelmed security officers and stormed Parliament as lawmakers debated the Bill.
The unprecedented breach of Parliament triggered a nationwide security crackdown, with authorities launching investigations into individuals suspected of organising the protests or unlawfully entering protected government premises.
Following the demonstrations, Chama disappeared from public view entirely, fuelling speculation about his whereabouts as security agencies intensified arrests linked to the unrest.
Now speaking publicly for the first time since going underground, Chama says he spent months moving from place to place while living in fear of arrest and persecution following the deadly crackdown that followed the protests.
“During that time, the lives of many Kenyans changed forever; some were killed and others abducted,” Chama said.
“For me, I have been in hiding for almost one year and nine months. Now I need a change. I need to get on with my life. I need to start a new life that has no fear.”
He added: “I cannot stay in hiding forever. We want to change this country, and we can’t change it by hiding. As Chama, I have decided to start a new life.”
Despite concerns over possible legal action, Chama insists he no longer wants to live in fear.
The protester also revealed that he had sought legal support from Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, one of the most vocal politicians who publicly defended arrested Gen Z protesters during and after the demonstrations.
According to Chama, the legislator expressed willingness to represent him in court should authorities decide to pursue charges related to the storming of Parliament.
“You deserve a chance in life because you are a legend,” Babu Owino reportedly told him.
“You managed to enter Parliament, and you had genuine reasons why you came to Parliament.”
The Gen Z protests sparked an intense national debate over governance, taxation and police conduct, with human rights organisations accusing security agencies of using excessive force against demonstrators during the unrest.
Several activists and civil society groups claimed protesters were unlawfully targeted, abducted and intimidated in the aftermath of the demonstrations — allegations that intensified scrutiny of the government’s response.
The government, however, defended the security operation, arguing that officers acted to restore order after Parliament buildings were breached and sections vandalised during the chaos.
The pressure generated by the nationwide protests ultimately forced the government to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024 in a major political setback for President William Ruto’s administration.
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