By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The National Assembly has approved the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces to support the National Police Service to contain the security situation amid protests in different parts of the country.
In a gazette notice last evening by Cabinet Secretary for Defence Hon. Aden Duale allowed Kenya Defence Forces join the National Police Service to calm the situation of the Anti-Finance Bill 2024 protesters.
The National Assembly convened a special sitting today in the morning to approve the request.
In the National Assembly orders of the day, parliament approves the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces in support of the National Police Service.
“That, pursuant to Article 241(3)(c) of the Constitution and sections 31(1)(b), 31(1)(c) and 32 of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, Cap. 199, this House accedes to the request of the Defence Council dated 26th June 2024 and, in the interest of national security, approves the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces in support of National Police Service in various parts of the Republic of Kenya affected by ongoing violent protests that have caused destruction of critical infrastructure until normalcy is restored,” the motion stated.
The minority side is opposed to the approval of KDF citing none involvement of the House business committee in the deliberations of the matter.
Member of Parliament for Rarienda Hon. Otiende Amollo who was elected on the Azimio coalition blamed National Assembly for approving KDF deployment without even the media, members and also without enough debate of the matter.
“And, Without Media, without most members, without proper debate, In a record 30minutes, National Assembly has just made Kenya a military state; authorizing deployment of Kenya Defence Force without indicating where, why or for what period and did so retrospectively contra of A 241 (3) (c),” Hon. Otiende Amollo said on X.
According to Duale, the deployment of KDF soldiers was in response to ongoing anti-finance bill protests in various parts of the country Kenya, which have resulted in the destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure.