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Mr Speaker, sir! Gen Z protester Ezekiel Chama resurfaces after 21 months out of public limelight
29th May, 2026 11:02 AM
Ezekiel Chama, the then-university student who became a prominent face of the Gen Z legislative protests, has resurfaced after 21 months in hiding.
Speaking in an interview with a local TV station, the student from the School of Business, Economics, and Tourism shared his experience during and after the historic storming of Parliament.
Chama became a viral sensation following the events of June 25, 2024, when citizens breached security lines to protest the controversial Finance Bill.
His recording inside the legislative chambers, saying, “Mr Speaker, Sir, I am here to address you” in the Parliament, cemented his place in recent public memory.
For his safety, the young man chose to go underground shortly after the incident.
The Parliament breach
Recalling the afternoon of June 25, 2024, Chama explained that the decision to enter the Parliament building was driven by a desire to hold leaders accountable.
Once inside the chambers, he directly addressed the house leadership, stating that the youth did not fear them. However, the situation inside took an unexpected turn when hospitality staff offered them food.
“When we walked in, the parliamentary cooks called out to us, saying there was food,” Chama stated. The group ate the meal prepared for the lawmakers.
Beyond the viral moments, Chama emphasised that the protesters maintained their humanity. He recalled encountering Nominated Member of Parliament Jackson Kosgei inside the building. Despite the chaotic environment, Chama and his peers chose to protect the legislator.
“We told him we knew he voted yes to the Finance Bill,” Chama said, adding that they still chose to assist him. He explained that they safely wheeled the lawmaker out of the building, and Chama even scaled a fence to help open a path for their exit.
Surviving in the shadows
The aftermath of the protest forced Chama into a quiet life away from the public eye. To protect himself from state crackdowns, he deferred his university studies for two semesters and remained secluded within the country.
“Since we entered Parliament, the government kept looking for us,” Chama revealed, explaining his 21-month absence.
“We were seeing the abductions, how fast they were happening. You did this yesterday; the next day, you were in custody. I had to disappear,” Chacha stated.
He clarified that he never left Kenya, choosing instead to stay on local soil despite the difficult living conditions.
Chama reveals he has now returned to public life under the legal protection of lawmaker Babu Owino. Despite the long period of hiding, Chama remains firm on his stance regarding national governance, expressing concern over public spending and the state of public systems.
He stated that he remains ready to stand with fellow youth to secure the country’s future.
