Piece by: FELIX KIPKEMOI

29 June 2024

• Osoro is among the MPs from the Kenya Kwanza wing who voted in favor of the controversial Bill which has since been withdrawn.

South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro has responded to claims that his rural homes were set ablaze in protest over the recent Finance Bill.

Osoro, who is among the Kenya Kwanza MPs who voted in favour of the controversial bill now withdrawn, dismissed the reports as false.

He assured his safety and warned that those planning such actions would face consequences.

"I am in my rural home, safe and enjoying conversations with my people," he said. "But, if criminals target my home, well, either of us will suffer instant justice," he added.

The National Assembly Majority Whip defended the youth (Gen Z), stating that accusations of their involvement in arson were unfounded.

"That is an insult to Gen Z. They are NOT arsonists," he asserted.

There were widespread allegations on Friday that a group of youth had attempted to storm and set fire to Osoro's residence. However, police reportedly responded and thwarted these efforts.

Several homes and businesses owned by legislators who voted to pass the bill have been targeted. Among those reportedly attacked is the home of Molo MP Kuria Kimani, the National Assembly's Finance Committee chairperson.

In Molo, church leaders from different denominations gathered at Kimani's home on Friday for a spiritual cleansing ceremony, marked by prayers and hymns.

Kieni MP Wanaina Njoroge also suffered significant losses after his supermarket in Nyeri was vandalized and looted.

"I lost movable stock worth Sh450 million and equipment such as bakery shelves, valued at Sh100 million," the MP said.