Parliament invasion, Gachagua’s sudden illness, 3 more dramatic events in 2024

• 2024 has proven to be a year that will go down in history for its frequent dramatic events that shaped the country’s political landscape
• Dramatic events such as the invasion of Parliament during the anti-Finance Bill protests, which saw part of the district set ablaze, will be remembered for years to come
• Former DP Rigathi Gachagua also experienced his fair share of drama in 2024 after he was forced to flee for his life after thugs disrupted a funeral he was attending

Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya

The year 2024 will go down in history as one of the most dramatic in the country’s political landscape.

This year saw several firsts in the country, including the first invasion of Parliament and the removal of a sitting vice president from office under the 2010 constitution, which led to his sudden illness.

Here are the details of the key political events that made 2024 a dramatic year.

Invasion of Parliament

You can’t mention 2024 without talking about the Generation Z protests that led to the infamous invasion of Parliament.

Protesters stormed the Parliament building in Nairobi’s central business district on Tuesday afternoon, June 25, shortly after MPs passed the controversial Finance Bill 2024.

Police officers stationed around Parliament were quickly overwhelmed as the crowds destroyed the gates.

On the same day, part of the Kenyan Parliament was set on fire, clearly reflecting the anger of many Kenyans.

Deputies still in the precinct had to flee the chambers into the basement, looking for a way out while determined protesters ransacked the building.

At least 50 people were reportedly injured by gunfire as police clashed with hundreds of protesters.

Photos emerged showing protesters eating in the Parliament cafeteria during demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024.

Photos shared by Winnie Odinga show that the protesters appear comfortable despite breaking into the heavily guarded building.

Rigathi Gachagua’s sudden illness

Another notable event occurred when former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua suddenly fell ill shortly before his scheduled appearance in the Senate impeachment trial on Thursday, October 17.

Gachagua was admitted to Karen Hospital after complaining of severe chest pain.

This raised questions among Kenyans, with many wondering whether Gachagua was faking illness or burdened by the impeachment process.

It was later revealed that Gachagua had been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, after experiencing severe chest pains associated with the stress of the impeachment trial.

Gachagua was discharged from Karen Hospital on Sunday, October 20, after a three-day admission.

Despite his hospitalization, the Senate continued the impeachment motion, leading to his removal from office and subsequently the appointment and swearing in of his successor, Kithure Kindiki.

Gilbert Masengeli does not comply with the court summons

Another dramatic event occurred when Gilbert Masengeli, the former acting inspector general, sparked controversy by failing to comply with court subpoenas six times.

On Monday September 9, Masengeli was due to appear in court to explain the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of three people in Kitengela.

However, the police chief sent DIG Eliud Lagat of the Kenya Police Service to represent him, saying he was in Wajir for security reasons.

Judge Lawrence Mugambi then found Masengeli guilty of failing to comply with the court summons.

In a ruling on Monday, September 9, the Supreme Court judge said that impunity and contempt would not be tolerated and those determined to break the law would not find protection.

A week after Masengeli was sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court, he appeared in court on Friday, September 20.

Masengeli took the stand and under oath asked Judge Mugambi for mercy, explaining that his absence from court was not intentional and was due to professional commitments.

However, he understood that his duties as a police officer included obeying and enforcing court orders.

Jimi Wanjigi’s failed arrest

Another dramatic event of the year occurred when men believed to be police officers raided the home of businessman Jimi Wanjigi in an attempt to arrest him, but were unsuccessful.

Days later, on Friday August 9, Wanjigi appeared in public again after the Supreme Court ruling blocked his arrest.

The business mogul assured police that there was no way they would find him in the house.

Wanjigi also recalled a similar incident in 2017 when police raided his house, which resulted in ODM leader Raila Odinga staying overnight as a buffer to prevent their actions.

Chaos as thugs disrupt the funeral Gachagua is attending

The former vice president’s woes deepened when he was involved in a life-threatening encounter after thugs infiltrated a funeral he attended in Limuru, Kiambu County on Thursday, November 28.

Gachagua had been attending the funeral of his friend, the late Erastus Nduati, also known as Mwene Limuru, when suspected thugs disrupted the event and injured several people.

The chaos began when thugs began shaking the tent where Gachagua and his close allies, including Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, were sitting.

Just before Gachagua was about to head out to meet the mourners, a group of locals tried to break open the tent, causing residents to flee in fear.

Community members were seen fleeing for safety as rival factions clashed in heated confrontations and destroyed property of unknown value.

Gachagua and other high-ranking dignitaries at Limuru’s funeral were quickly escorted to safety by their security personnel.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, Current Affairs Journalist and Editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke