Why Senate Formed Ad-Hoc Committee After Anti-Finance Bill Protests

• Kiambu senator Karungo wa Thang'wa asked the Senate to establish an Ad-hoc committee to address issues raised by Gen Zs
• Speaker Amason Kingi positively responded and appointed nine senators including Nairobi's Edwin Sifuna and Gloria Orwoba to investigate the matter
• The team has been tasked with developing policy and legislative frameworks for youth empowerment and involvement in the governance and management of state affairs

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Kiambu senator Karungu wa Thang'wa has urged the Senate to establish an ad-hoc committee to tackle the concerns raised by Generation Z during the anti-finance bill protests.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi (l). Anti-finance bill protesters at the Nairobi CBD (r). Photo: Amason Kingi/Luis Tato. Source: Facebook

In his plea, the lawmaker mentioned engaging with members of Gen Z after observing the extensive protests and strikes, emphasising the importance of addressing their grievances.

"The motion proposes the establishment of an ad-hoc committee dedicated to addressing the concerns of Generation Z. As both a people's representative and a parent to children of this demographic, I have taken time to engage with and understand their concerns. Given the gravity and urgency of the matter, I believe it warrants the attention of the entire senate," read the petition witnessed by TUKO.co.ke.

Senate forms committee to address Gen Z's issues

In response, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi approved the petition stating that the creation of the committee would bring "Generation Z closer to the legislative bodies" as their issues are addressed.

"Under Standing Order 199, the Senate resolves to create an Ad-hoc committee to investigate the governance concerns raised by the young demonstrators, particularly those of the Generation Z cohort, and the circumstances leading to the recent widespread demonstrations," stated Kingi.

Who will investigate Gen Z's issues?

According to the Senate, the committee will consist of nine members including the motion mover, Eddy Oketch, Crystal Asige, Catherine Mumma, Samson Cherarkey, John Methu, Edwin Sifuna, Gloria Orwoba, and Raphael Chimeru.

They are mandated to examine emerging generational shifts, fears, challenges, and expectations to inform appropriate policy interventions as well as develop policy and legislative frameworks on youth empowerment and involvement in governance and management of state affairs.

Kingi evacuated in ambulance during protests

Meanwhile, Speaker Kingi was rescued from the angry protesters in an ambulance and heavy security after the protesters stormed the parliament building.

The tension was high and the MPs who were presently in the parliament were forced to exit through the underground channel.

A section of the National Assembly was torched during the demos and some of its structures were vandalised.

What else you need to know about finance bill protests

• Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has asked President William Ruto to embrace dialogue
• Lawyer Steve Ogolla asked the head of state to engage Azimio leader Raila Odinga to end protests
• A section of Kenyans bitterly responded to President Ruto's speech on the countrywide anti-finance bill protests