The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The young man who became one of the most recognizable faces of the 2024 Gen Z protests after dramatically entering Parliament has resurfaced after spending close to two years out of the public eye.
Chama, whose images and videos inside the National Assembly chambers went viral during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, says his life took a drastic turn following the protests that rocked the country.
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In the widely circulated footage, Chama was seen inside Parliament addressing the Speaker’s seat while chanting anti-government slogans shortly after protesters breached security and forced their way into the parliamentary precincts.
The June 2024 Gen Z-led protests erupted nationwide in opposition to the controversial Finance Bill 2024, with many Kenyans accusing the government of imposing harsh taxes at a time of rising living costs and economic hardship.
Tensions escalated when protesters stormed Parliament as MPs debated the Bill, triggering a major political crisis for the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Following the demonstrations, Chama disappeared from public view as authorities launched investigations into individuals accused of organizing the protests and unlawfully accessing Parliament buildings.
Speaking publicly for the first time since going into hiding, Chama revealed he spent months moving from one location to another while avoiding attention due to fears of arrest and persecution after the violent crackdown on protesters.
He said the uncertainty made it difficult to rebuild his life or freely return home.
“During that period, the lives of many Kenyans changed forever. Some were killed while others were abducted. I have personally spent nearly one year and nine months in hiding. Now I want change. I want to move on with my life and live without fear,” Chama said.
“I cannot remain in hiding forever. We want to transform this country, and that cannot happen while we are hiding. As Chama, I have decided to begin a new chapter.”
Despite his fears, Chama says he no longer wants to stay underground.
He also disclosed that he had sought legal assistance from Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, one of the outspoken leaders who defended arrested Gen Z protesters after the demonstrations.
According to Chama, Babu Owino expressed willingness to represent him in court should authorities decide to take legal action against him.
The MP argued that many young Kenyans who participated in the protests were motivated by frustrations over unemployment, economic struggles, and heavy taxation.
“You deserve an opportunity in life because you became a symbol of the movement. You entered Parliament for reasons you believed were genuine,” Babu Owino reportedly told him.
The Gen Z protests sparked nationwide debate over governance, police brutality, and taxation, with human rights organizations accusing security agencies of using excessive force against demonstrators.
The government, however, maintained that security officers acted to restore order after Parliament buildings were invaded and vandalized.
The unrest eventually forced the government to withdraw the Finance Bill.
