Four Ghanaian MPs and a clerk caught up in Kenya protests; High Commission assures their safety.
Written by GliveRadio Accra on June 26, 2024
Some Ghanaian Members of Parliament were involved in the ongoing demonstrations in Kenya.
The legislators, primarily from the Local Government Committee, were inside Kenya’s Parliament when the protests turned violent outside.
A video seen by Myjoyonline shows the legislators being escorted to safety within the building.
Among those captured in the amateur footage filmed by Asuogyaman MP Thomas Ampen Nyarko was Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro MP Sylvester Tetteh. The other MPs caught in the protests are Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi and Nii Lante Vanderpuye, all members of Parliament’s Local Government Committee. The delegation also included Anita Quartey-Papafio, a clerk from Parliament in charge of Governance Cluster Committees.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to Kenya has assured the safety of the Ghanaian community. Speaking on JoyNews’ Connect Africa, Damptey Asare indicated, “There have been no unfortunate incidents involving any Ghanaian or member of the Ghanaian community. There have been no casualties reported among the Ghanaian community.”
Today, four protesters were shot outside parliament, as reported by the Kenya Human Rights Commission. One fatality was reported, although this has not been confirmed by other sources.
“Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a serious violation of human rights,” the Kenya Human Rights Commission added.
Protesters were seen attempting to enter parliament after MPs voted to approve the controversial finance bill, which includes tax increases.