MP Proposes New Bill to Regulate Demonstrations

A Member of Parliament has drafted a Bill to restrain demonstrations in the country. 

This follows the Azimio La Umoja rally on Tuesday at Kamukunji grounds.

The Assembly, Demonstration, Picketing and Petition Bill, 2023, spearheaded by Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku, intends to expand Article 37 of the Constitution. The proposed law states that protesters participating in outlawed protests or assemblies should face one year in prison. 

“We’ve seen violent demonstrations in the past, people have lost their lives people have lost their property and nobody has ever been held accountable. You can’t destroy property in the name of demonstrations. We can’t have a loss of lives in the name of demonstrations. For peaceful demonstrations to be achieved there must be regulation,” Ruku said.  

Under the bill, organizers of the protests will be subjected to costs resulting from any damages arising from the demonstration. Additionally, the conveners will have to designate marshals to oversee the participants and make sure the demonstrations are peaceful.

The proposed Bill, which is currently in the committee stage, would give police officers above the rank of Inspector the ability to stop an assembly or demonstration if there is potential for disturbance of the public peace. If passed, protestors will be forbidden to possess weapons or clothing which mimics police uniforms. Also, it will be illegal to display signs, and placards, or make speeches that could potentially cause hatred.

The legislator voiced support for the bill while pointing out the inconveniences caused by previous protests, such as the disruption of public services and the closure of schools and businesses. In March, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki hinted government’s plan to introduce ten changes to the constitution in a bid to control protests.