MPs Skip Parliament During Budget Reading Fearing Gen Z Wrath

NAIROBI, Kenya – Fear of potential Gen Z-led riots kept dozens of Members of Parliament away from Thursday’s crucial budget reading session, leaving the National Assembly chamber conspicuously sparse as Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi presented Kenya’s Sh4.29 trillion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year.

Out of 349 MPs, only around 100 were present for what is traditionally one of the most significant parliamentary events of the year.

The low turnout came amid heightened security concerns and ongoing protests in Nairobi streets over the mysterious death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.

The budget reading was marked by rows of empty red seats across several sections of the chamber, a stark contrast to previous years when the session would draw packed attendance.

What is traditionally a packed chamber for such a major national event was instead marked by rows of empty seats and muted attendance, according to local media reports.

The session took place under unprecedented security measures, with movement restricted to MPs, accredited journalists, and high-level dignitaries.

Anti-riot police officers, some on horseback, barricaded Parliament Road and Harambee Avenue, allowing only government vehicles and pedestrians to pass.

While CS Mbadi delivered his budget highlights inside the chamber, protesters had taken to the streets of the Kenyan capital to vent their anger over the death of a blogger in police custody, demanding justice for Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and activist who died under suspicious circumstances.

Gen Z factor

The sparse attendance reflects lawmakers’ lingering anxiety about youth-led protests that have significantly shaped Kenya’s political landscape since 2024.

On 25 June protesters stormed the Parliament buildings, leading to clashes with police that resulted in at least 22 deaths and numerous injuries, while demonstrators breached parliament security during the #OccupyParliament protests in Nairobi.

Protesters entered the parliament compound, vandalized property, and set fire to sections of the building, forcing legislators to evacuate.

The 2024 protests, initially triggered by opposition to the controversial Finance Bill, evolved into a broader movement against government policies, corruption, and economic hardship.

Kenyan youth protest against political exclusion, poverty, inequalities, and unemployment, with participants galvanised by widespread dissatisfaction with the political class.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed attempted to downplay the significance of the empty seats, arguing that the current budget-making system differs from previous years when MPs had to attend to learn about budget allocations.

“Parliament dispensed with the budget a long time ago and CS Mbadi only came to give the highlights. Don’t expect the huge numbers as before because former budgets used to be secret, hence drawing curiosity on the budget statement reading day,” Mohamed explained.

However, political observers note that the timing of the low attendance, coinciding with street protests and heightened security, suggests deeper concerns about potential civil unrest.

During his presentation, CS Mbadi acknowledged the deadly consequences of previous protests, requesting the House observe a minute’s silence for Kenyans who lost their lives during demonstrations.

“These actions in the two years regrettably resulted in destruction of property and loss of lives, and adversely impacted the economic lives of many. In remembrance of fellow Kenyans who lost their most precious lives during these protests, let us observe a minute of silence in their remembrance,” he said.

The CS, who ironically had led protests against the 2023 Finance Act while serving as ODM chairperson, acknowledged the irony of his current position. His reference to past protests drew both laughter and tension in the chamber.

The current wave of protests centers on Albert Ojwang’s death in Kenya marks a regional crackdown aiming to crush youth-led protests before they re-emerge.

Ojwang’s death has reignited public anger, with many viewing it as part of a broader pattern of state repression against activists and bloggers.

The protests have transformed Nairobi’s central business district, with tear gas filling the air around Parliament buildings as anti-riot officers worked to disperse demonstrators demanding justice and accountability.

Budget Highlights Amid Tension

Despite the tense atmosphere, CS Mbadi completed his two-hour presentation, outlining key allocations including Sh251 billion for national security – a significant increase that reflects growing domestic and regional security challenges.

The budget allocates Sh136.8 billion to health, while Parliament secured Sh48 billion to enhance its oversight and legislative functions. The session concluded at 5:22 PM with Speaker Moses Wetang’ula adjourning the House until Tuesday, June 17.

As Kenya grapples with ongoing youth activism and economic challenges, the sparse attendance at Thursday’s budget reading serves as a stark reminder of the changed political dynamics.

The fear of Gen Z backlash has clearly influenced how legislators approach their duties, with many choosing caution over conventional parliamentary participation.

The government now faces the dual challenge of addressing legitimate grievances raised by young protesters while maintaining legislative functions and democratic processes.

How this balance is struck will likely determine the stability of Kenya’s political landscape in the coming months.