Two years after the Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024 reshaped Kenya's political landscape, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has reflected on the events of June 25, 2024, revealing what drove him to leap over Parliament's perimeter fence amid the chaos.
As Kenyans mark the second anniversary of the demonstrations, the lawmaker shared an emotional account of one of the most defining and painful days of his political career.
One of the most memorable images from the protests showed Owino scaling the fence in an attempt to reach demonstrators confronting security officers.
Speaking about the incident, he said he was inside the building carrying out his legislative duties as unrest escalated beyond the gates.
"On this particular day, I was in Parliament, continuing to play my role of checks and balances and representing my electorate," Owino said.
According to the MP, many of the young protesters gathered outside were armed only with Kenyan flags and bottles of water. However, the situation quickly turned deadly when gunfire erupted.
Reflecting on the moment, Owino said the sound of live ammunition made him realise lives were in immediate danger.
"Minutes later, we could hear gunfire. People were being shot. As an elected leader, I knew I had a responsibility not to let our young people die just outside the Parliament gates," he said.
This sense of duty prompted his dramatic intervention, which was captured on camera and widely shared across the country. While the incident strengthened his standing among many young protesters who viewed him as an ally, Owino maintained that the events remain among the most heartbreaking of his public life.
Data released by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights in 2024 indicated that at least 39 people were killed during the weeks-long demonstrations, with many of the fatalities recorded during the June 25 storming of Parliament.
As the country remembers those who lost their lives, Owino said the pain of that day remains fresh.
"Today, Kenyans go to the streets to commemorate all the comrades we lost on June 25, 2024. My heart still breaks for all the young souls we lost," he said.
He concluded by honouring the victims, adding that the fallen protesters remain forever in their hearts.
"May the souls of our fallen comrades continue resting in peace. This day will forever remain in our memories."