A suspect charged with unlawful entry into the parliament compound during Tuesday's anti-tax protests also denied taking the missing mace, which the House officially describes as a 'overarching symbol of authority and dignity'. 

Stephen Mokogi Nyarenchi appeared before Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi on Monday, where he denied both charges. 

He was released on a cash bail of Ksh.2,000. 

Protesters broke into parliament last Tuesday after overpowering police officers, and in multiple videos, they ransacked the August House, ate food in the cafeteria, and even stole a serjeant-at-arms jacket. 

Speculation abounded last week after a video showed protesters brandishing what appeared to be the mace, but Speaker Wetangula denied losing his symbol authority, telling the House on Wednesday that what had been stolen was a dummy mace used for decorative purposes. 

"Reports that the House mace had been carted away by the demonstrators are false; what was taken away was a dummy Mace on display." Wetangula told the House. 

 "I want to assure members of the House that the mace is always highly secured,” 

The ceremonial mace is an elaborately adorned staff made of metal, wood, or other materials. 

It is carried by a designated Mace-bearer or placed in front of sovereigns and high officials during civic ceremonies or revered gatherings to symbolise authority.

The one in Parliament features the Kenyan coat of arms and is made of gold, ivory, and gold coating. 

It measures 4.5 feet in length and weighs 12.5 kilograms.