Parliament Invasion, Gachagua’s Abrupt Illness, 3 Other Dramatic Events in 2024

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The year 2024 is set to be remembered as one of the most dramatic in the country’s political landscape. The year 2024 has been defined by dramatic events, from Rigathi Gachagua’s illness during his impeachment to protesters storming Parliament. The year saw several firsts in the country, including the first-ever invasion of Parliament and the removal of a sitting deputy 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. Parliament Invasion One cannot mention 2024 without speaking about the Gen Z protests that led to the infamous Parliament invasion. Protesters stormed the Parliament building in Nairobi’s Central Business District on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 25, shortly after MPs passed the controversial Finance Bill 2024. Police officers stationed around Parliament were quickly overwhelmed as the crowd vandalized its gates.

On that same day, part of the Kenyan Parliament was set on fire, clearly reflecting the anger felt by many Kenyans. MPs still in the precincts were forced to flee from the chambers to the basement, seeking an escape as determined protesters searched through the building. At least 50 people were reported to have been injured by gunfire as police clashed with hundreds of demonstrators.

Photos surfaced showing protesters eating at the Parliament cafeteria amid demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024. Photos shared by Winnie Odinga show the protesters appearing comfortable despite trespassing 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’s impeachment proceeding on Thursday, October 17.

Gachagua was rushed to Karen Hospital after he complained of experiencing severe chest pains. This raised questions among Kenyans, with many wondering whether Gachagua was feigning illness or was stressed by the impeachment process. It was later disclosed that Gachagua had been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, following severe chest pains linked to the stress of impeachment proceedings. Gachagua was discharged from The Karen Hospital on Sunday, October 20, after a three-day admission.

Despite his hospitalisation, the Senate continued with the impeachment motion, resulting in his removal from office and then the nomination and swearing-in of his successor, Kithure Kindiki. Gilbert Masengeli fails to honour court summons Another dramatic event occurred when Gilbert Masengeli, the former acting Inspector General, sparked controversy by failing to honour court summons six times. On Monday, September 9, Masengeli was required 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, stating he was in Wajir on security matters. As a result, Justice Lawrence Mugambi found Masengeli guilty of disobeying court summons. In a ruling on Monday, Septemeber 9, the High Court judge stated that impunity and defiance would not be tolerated, and those determined to flout the law would not find protection. A week after Masengeli was sentenced to six months in jail for contempt of court, he appeared before the court on Friday, September 20. Taking the stand, Masengeli, under oath, sought clemency from Justice Mugambi, stating that his absence from court was not intentional and was due to work commitments.

He, however, appreciated that obeying and enforcing court orders were among his responsibilities as a police officer. Jimi Wanjigi’s failed arrest Another dramatic event of the year occurred when men, believed to be police officers, raided businessman Jimi Wanjigi’s home in an attempt to arrest him, but were unsuccessful. Days later, on Friday, Aug. 9, Wanjigi made a public reappearance after the High Court’s ruling blocked his arrest.

The business mogul assured the police that, no matter what, they would never find him at the house. Wanjigi also recalled a similar incident in 2017 when police raided his home, leading ODM leader Raila Odinga to stay overnight as a buffer to prevent their actions. Chaos as goons disrupt funeral attended by Gachagua

The former deputy president’s troubles deepened when he was caught in a life-threatening clash after goons infiltrated a funeral he attended in Limuru, Kiambu County, on Thursday, November 28. Gachagua had attended the burial of his friend, the late Erastus Nduati, also known as Mwene Limuru, when suspected goons disrupted the event, leaving several people injured.

The chaos began when goons started shaking the tent where Gachagua and his close allies, including Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, were seated. Just before Gachagua was set to address the mourners, a group of locals began attempting to uproot the tent, causing those inside to flee in fear.

The congregants were seen fleeing for safety as rival factions clashed in heated disputes, destroying property of unknown value. Gachagua and other high-ranking dignitaries at the Limuru funeral were swiftly escorted to safety by their security personnel.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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