Mbeere North Member of Parliament, Geoffrey Ruku, has introduced a bill aimed at regulating demonstrations in the country. This happening as the opposition coalition hints at a return of the Azimio demonstrations.
The proposed regulations would grant the police the power to cancel any demonstration that poses a danger to others.
“The bill proposes granting police from the rank of an inspector the power to call off protests when they assess there is a danger to lives or property,” Ruku said.
While some perceive this as an attempt to control anti-government protests, Ruku argues that his bill acknowledges the right to demonstrate or picket. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining public order.
According to the bill, the organizers of demonstrations would be held responsible for any damage, loss of life, or property that occurs during the protests. Additionally, Ruku suggests that individuals engaging in prohibited picketing should face a one-year prison sentence.
“The Bill recognizes the right to picket, but in a democratic society we must be disciplined, we must run a nation that is disciplined, we must put measures; what extent police go, the obligations of the organizers of the demos…you can’t destroy property, we can’t have a loss of life in the course of demos, let us have peaceful demos and for this to be achieved we must have regulations,” he quipped.
Interior CS, Kithure Kindiki had earlier advised politicians who are objecting to the policies and actions of Kenya Kwanza administration to seek legal redress instead of calling for mass demonstrations. Kindiki further said the government will not allow any leader to organize demonstrations, which will lead to the destruction of property.
