A Nairobi Court has charged Ezekiel Kyama Nzyoki, widely known for his “Mr Speaker Sir” catchphrase, with unlawfully entering Parliament Buildings and causing extensive damage to public property during the anti-government protests held on June 25, 2024.

Nzyoki was arraigned on two charges linked to the storming of Parliament during the nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Bill.

The first charge alleges that he unlawfully accessed the Parliamentary precincts without lawful authority, contrary to the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act.

In the second count, prosecutors accuse him of malicious damage to property under Section 339(1) of the Penal Code. The prosecution alleges that Nzyoki, together with other individuals who are yet to be charged, wilfully destroyed property belonging to the Parliamentary Service Commission.

According to the charge sheet, the damaged items included sections of the perimeter fence, the mausoleum flagpole, furniture, ICT equipment, television screens, kitchenware, vehicles and electrical installations. The total value of the destroyed property is estimated at KSh41,248,570.

The charges stem from the events of June 25, 2024, when protesters breached Parliament Buildings during demonstrations against the Finance Bill, leading to widespread destruction and a subsequent security crackdown.

During the court proceedings, Nzyoki’s lawyer, Babu Owino, urged the court to uphold the constitutional rights of his client, arguing that the case before the court was not a determination of guilt but a consideration of bail.

“This Constitution protects the accused person. Today, this court is not trying the charges of malicious damage to property or unlawful entry into Parliament,” Owino submitted.

He further told the court that he personally was in parliament during the protests on the day in question and did not see Nzyoki inside Parliament.

“I was there during the demonstrations and I did not see the accused person in Parliament,” he said.

Owino also argued that imposing an excessive bail amount would amount to a denial of bail, insisting that the accused remains innocent until proven guilty.

“Granting an unreasonably high bail is effectively denying bail. It undermines the constitutional presumption of innocence,” he argued.

He urged the court to grant Nzyoki reasonable bail terms, preferably on a personal bond.

“This court must decide the matter based on facts, not fear, and grant this student fair and reasonable bail terms,” Owino told the court.