Ezekiel Kyama Nzyoki, popularly known as “Mr Speaker Sir”, has been released on a KSh100,000 personal bond after pleading not guilty to charges linked to the storming of Parliament during the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests.
Nzyoki appeared before the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, where he was charged with unlawfully entering the Parliamentary precincts and maliciously damaging property belonging to the Parliamentary Service Commission valued at more than KSh41.2 million.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged damage included sections of the perimeter fence, office furniture, ICT equipment, television screens, vehicles, kitchenware and other installations within Parliament.
Prosecutors claim the offences were committed together with other suspects who are yet to be arrested.
His lawyer, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, urged the court to release him on reasonable bail, arguing that the charges had not been proved and reminding the court that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
He also told the court that he was at Parliament on the day of the protests and did not see Nzyoki inside the precincts.
In granting the bond, the court noted that the prosecution had not presented a valuation report or other supporting documents to substantiate the alleged KSh41.2 million loss at this stage of the proceedings.
Nzyoki shot to national prominence during the anti-Finance Bill protests after a video of him sitting in the Speaker’s chair inside the National Assembly chamber went viral.
Repeatedly shouting “Mr Speaker Sir” while mimicking parliamentary proceedings, he quickly became one of the most recognisable faces of the Gen Z movement.
The June 25, 2024 protests saw thousands of young Kenyans breach Parliament as lawmakers debated the Finance Bill, triggering one of the country’s most significant political moments in recent years.
The demonstrations later forced President William Ruto to decline to assent to the Bill following nationwide public pressure.
The case against Nzyoki will now proceed to a full hearing as investigations continue into the destruction of Parliament property during the protests.