Protest Tensions Keep MPs Away as Budget Reading Proceeds

Kenya's National Assembly on Thursday hosted the unveiling of the Sh4.2 trillion budget for the 2025/26 financial year, an event marked by heightened security, subdued attendance, and a backdrop of public concern regarding police accountability. 

The budget presentation, led by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo, took place under the shadow of protests linked to the recent death of teacher Albert Ojwang, leading to restricted access within the parliamentary precincts. The subdued atmosphere in the National Assembly reflected a departure from previous budget readings, with fewer than 100 of the 349 members present. Despite the sparse attendance, Mbadi adhered to parliamentary procedure, presenting the budget highlights. 

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed downplayed concerns over the low turnout, asserting that the budget had already undergone legislative scrutiny, rendering the reading a mere formality. He noted that prior budget readings garnered more attention due to fiscal allocation secrecy, an element largely absent in the current dispensation.

In a moment of political camaraderie, Mbadi expressed gratitude to opposition leader Raila Odinga, drawing enthusiastic chants of "Baba" from Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislators. 

In other news, President William Ruto has addressed rising concerns over alleged police brutality, pledging stringent accountability measures within the security forces. Speaking at the 20th anniversary of the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) in Ngong, Kajiado County, Ruto emphasized his administration's commitment to curbing gun-related violence and ensuring law enforcement operates within legal boundaries. The event included the destruction of over 6,000 illicit firearms, reflecting Kenya's dedication to regional arms control efforts.

"We will protect citizens from rogue police officers and ensure accountability, so that we can uphold a nation grounded in the rule of law," Ruto stated.

Echoing the President's sentiments, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen cautioned against blanket generalizations of the police force. While acknowledging instances of misconduct, Murkomen asserted that the vast majority of Kenya's 120,000 police officers serve with integrity. He vowed decisive action against individuals found guilty of abuses, but insisted on handling each case based on merit rather than engaging in broad condemnation.

Murkomen directly addressed public outrage over the death of teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody, reiterating that justice would be pursued for the victim while ensuring honest officers were not unfairly vilified. The RECSA commemoration served as a platform to strengthen collaborative efforts among 15 member states, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Operating under the Nairobi Protocol, RECSA guides regional policies on arms reduction, illicit firearm trade, and preventive measures against armed violence.

RECSA Executive Director Jean Pierre Betindji joined Kenya's security leadership in reaffirming commitment to coordinated disarmament initiatives. The weapons destroyed during the event had been surrendered through amnesty programs and confiscated in targeted security operations. President Ruto framed the exercise as a symbolic gesture of national and regional commitment to eradicating violence, saying, "We will not allow violence to take root in our communities."