Speaking on the National Assembly floor, Wandayi requested Speaker Wetangula’s involvement, arguing that lawmakers’ entry to the chambers to take part in the ongoing discussion of the controversial Finance Bill 2024 was being impeded by the heavy police presence at Parliament.
“Mr. Speaker, as you can see, the house is not full and some members are finding it difficult to pass through the police blockades to access the House. I have personally had to struggle to get here,” said Wandayi.
He continued explaining on the need to have the policemen withdrawn arguing his case that it is unrightful to do so, “The issue is that the entire Parliament precinct is cordoned off by individuals who appear to be police officers. We live in a democratic country, and this house symbolizes our democracy. No one in this country has the authority to establish a blockade around Parliament. There has been no state of emergency declared under the constitution.”
“Can the speaker direct the Inspector General of Police to withdraw the officers who have turned this house into what resembles a military installation. It is an affront to our democracy for Parliament to be treated this way,” Wandayi said.
MP Slyvanus Osoro however responded saying the security cannot be withdrawn because the police are doing their duty and protecting not just members but also public property.
Speaker Wetangula however responded to Wandiya’s case saying that as far as he is concerned he has not heard or received any news from the policemen that there is any member of Parliament who has had a hard time trying to get in parliament nor has any of them been threatened to be harmed.