Ezekiel Kyama charged with unlawful entry and property damage during 2024 Finance Bill protests
via Tuko3 min read
Ezekiel Kyama Nzyoki, a Gen Z protester, has been formally charged in a Nairobi court for his alleged role in the storming of Parliament during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. He faces two charges: unlawfully entering Parliamentary precincts without authority, and malicious damage to property. Prosecutors allege Kyama, along with others, damaged property belonging to the Parliamentary Service Commission, including the perimeter fence, mausoleum flagpole, office furniture, ICT equipment, and vehicles, with estimated losses totaling KSh 41.2 million. Kyama gained viral recognition for a video recorded inside the National Assembly chambers during the protests, where he stated, "Mr Speaker Sir, I am here to address you. You must go." His lawyer, Babu Owino, challenged the case, emphasizing Kyama's innocence until proven guilty and arguing against excessive bail terms. Owino also stated he did not see Kyama within Parliament during the 2024 demonstrations. Kyama was arrested on June 25, 2026, during commemorations of the 2024 protests, and was subsequently rearrested after a court ordered his release, before being presented with the current charges.
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Must ReadEzekiel Kyama, a university student and Gen Z protester, has been released on a personal recognisance bond by a Nairobi court. He faces charges related to the storming of Parliament during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests. Prosecutors accuse Kyama of unlawfully entering Parliament and participating in the destruction of property valued at over KSh 41 million. The alleged damage includes sections of the Parliament perimeter fence, a mausoleum flagpole, office furniture, ICT equipment, television screens, kitchenware, electrical installations, and several vehicles. Kyama's lawyer, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, welcomed the court's decision, describing it as a victory for justice, and criticized the Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers for presenting charges he deemed lacking merit. Owino also asserted that Parliament, as a public institution, is accessible to Kenyans. Kyama became known for recording a viral "Mr Speaker Sir" video inside the National Assembly chambers during the June 25, 2024 protests. He was arrested on June 25, 2026, during demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the anti-Finance Bill protests, and was rearrested after an initial release before being formally charged over the 2024 incident.
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