By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, June 29, 2026 - Kenyatta University student and Gen Z protester Ezekiel Kyama Nzyoki, popularly known as "Mr Speaker, Sir," has been released on a Sh100,000 personal bond after appearing before the Milimani Law Courts.
Kyama pleaded not guilty to charges of malicious damage to property linked to the June 25, 2024, anti-Finance Bill protests, as well as a separate charge of unlawfully accessing the Parliament precincts.
The prosecution alleges that he participated in the destruction of Parliament property valued at KSh41.2 million during the demonstrations. According to the charge sheet, the alleged damage included buildings, furniture, ICT equipment, television screens, vehicles and other property within the parliamentary precincts.
The court granted Kyama a Sh100,000 personal bond pending the hearing and determination of the case.
His arraignment comes days after he was arrested during the June 25, 2026, anniversary demonstrations in Nairobi's Central Business District, where thousands of Kenyans took to the streets to commemorate those who died during last year's anti-government protests.
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Kyama rose to national prominence during the June 25, 2024, protests against the Finance Bill after protesters breached Parliament buildings in an unprecedented demonstration. Videos widely shared on social media showed him seated in the Speaker's chair inside the National Assembly chamber, repeatedly shouting "Mr Speaker, Sir" while mimicking parliamentary proceedings. The footage quickly went viral, earning him the nickname "Mr Speaker, Sir" and making him one of the most recognisable faces of the Gen Z-led protest movement.
The June 2024 demonstrations, largely organised by young Kenyans through social media, began as opposition to proposed tax increases contained in the Finance Bill but evolved into wider protests over the high cost of living, governance, corruption and youth unemployment. On June 25, protesters breached Parliament shortly before lawmakers voted to pass the Finance Bill, prompting a heavy security response. The unrest resulted in deaths, injuries and widespread property damage, and the Finance Bill was later withdrawn by President William Ruto following sustained public pressure.
Authorities have since investigated individuals suspected of involvement in the destruction of public property during the protests. Kyama's case is among those arising from the events at Parliament.
The matter will proceed through the court process on dates to be set by the court.