The National Assembly was thrown into disarray on Tuesday after growing anti-government protests outside the complex forced legislators to end their morning session early, disrupting planned debates and halting several committee meetings.

MPs had convened for the 9:30am sitting under tight security, with riot police deployed around Parliament Buildings as demonstrators, largely from the Gen Z-led movement, staged protests nearby.

Although the day’s agenda included discussions on critical motions and bills, the session was called off less than two hours later when lawmakers scheduled to move key items failed to turn up.

“Honourable members, time now being 15 minutes to midday, this House stands adjourned until 2:30pm today,” Ugenya MP David Ochieng’ announced while chairing the sitting. Moments later, legislators were seen quickly leaving the precincts as law enforcement sealed off the area.

Among the motions that had been listed for discussion was one by Marianne Kitany seeking to develop regulations for the use of artificial intelligence in Kenya.

Another by Faith Gitau aimed to push for expansion of main highways into dual carriageways. Sabina Chege had also been expected to table a motion calling for universal health coverage and mandatory use of public hospitals by state officers.

Also on the agenda was a motion by Timothy Wanyonyi urging the government to create a zoning policy to protect agricultural land from unplanned development.

Charles Ngusya was expected to front a proposal to recognise and reward athletes who bring glory to the country on global stages.

In addition to the disrupted House session, various committee meetings were cancelled without explanation. These included the Environment, Forestry and Mining Committee and the Public Investment Committee on Education and Governance.

The Public Investment Committee, led by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, had lined up engagements with Kisii University, Mukiria Technical Training Institute, and Karatina University in the morning. It also planned afternoon sessions with Garissa University, Nyandarua National Polytechnic, and Murang’a University.

Wamboka later told the Star that the scheduled appearances had to be shelved because most invitees could not access Parliament. “Most of the witnesses could not make it,” he said.

The events echoed tensions witnessed last year when protesters stormed Parliament during heated national debates, raising fresh concerns about safety and the growing momentum of the youth-led movement.