Gospel singer Emmy Kosgei’s dad- UDA-nominated MP Jackson Kosgei was left behind when other MPs fled after Finance Bill protesters breached Parliament.
On Tuesday June 25, Finance Bill protesters broke into Parliament, causing panic among MPs. Kosgei, who uses a wheelchair could not leave quickly, took refuge in the private members’ lounge with Hon. Rose Museo, an MP who uses crutches.
Kosgei explained, “The evacuation route leading to the tunnel was not friendly for disabled Kenyans, so we decided to stay inside the building.”
Unexpected Help from Protesters
As protesters stormed the building, Kosgei was approached by young men who engaged him in conversation.
They recognized him and knew he had voted yes on the Finance Bill. Despite this, they chose to help him.
Kosgei recounted, “When they came and found us there, they told me that they knew who I was and where I voted. They said I was a good man and wanted to escort me out.”
Compassionate Protesters
The protesters told Kosgei they were fighting for their rights, not looking to harm anyone. They asked where he wanted to go and safely escorted him there.
“They said that they were not bad people but were just fighting for their rights. They asked me where they wanted me to go, and I told them where they could take me. They took me to a safe place,” Kosgei recounted.
The protesters had a clear message for the president: “We are not ending it here until the bill is dropped. They said this bill is evil. Have you seen it?”
MP Jackson Kosgei Grateful
Kosgei thanked the protesters who saved him and Hon. Rose Museo, despite his support for the Finance Bill. He praised their humanity even in a time of anger and chaos.
“I want to thank the young men who saved my life and that of my colleague Museo. When everybody was running for their lives, which I really saw. I want to appreciate them that even in their moment of anger, they still had humanity in them, to separate issues from humanity,” he stated.
By Vivian K.