Mbeere North Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku has announced the withdrawal of the controversial Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024, commonly referred to as the Maandamano Bill.
This proposed legislation aims to impose stricter regulations on public demonstrations in Kenya and has been a source of intense debate and protest since its introduction last year. The bill, championed by Ruku of the Democratic Party (DP), strives to grant extensive powers to law enforcement authorities to control demonstrations deemed disruptive to public order. It includes provisions for hefty fines of up to Sh 100,000 and potential imprisonment for those who violate its terms.
Furthermore, the bill requires stringent pre-event notification procedures, which many critics view as an excessive restriction on the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. Initially presented as a measure to regulate public gatherings in accordance with Article 37 of Kenya’s constitution, the bill quickly became a focal point of criticism. Opponents argued that it undermined fundamental freedoms and granted disproportionate authority to law enforcement agencies.
Organizers of protests express concern that the bill would effectively stifle dissent and make it nearly impossible for citizens to voice their grievances without fear of repercussions. The backlash against the proposed legislation intensified in recent weeks coinciding with escalating protests against government policies. These demonstrations, which originally began in opposition to a controversial finance bill, evolved into broader anti-government protests.
Demonstrators took to the streets nationwide, demanding the withdrawal of the Maandamano Bill and condemning what they perceived as attempts to silence opposition voices. In response to the mounting pressure, Ruku has issued a statement via social media announcing his decision to withdraw the bill.
He says, “I have listened to the concerns raised by Kenyans, and in light of their feedback, I will be formally requesting the Speaker of the National Assembly to withdraw the Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024.”
All the current elected…
All the current elected servants of the people must pass a written test of the New Constitution of Kenya set in our national language Kiswahili.
It is quite evident that Ndugu Ruku of Mbeere North has not yet read the constitution. Had he read it, he would not have alerted his fellow elected servants of the people to abolish public and peaceful demonstrations in our country.
The late Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi of India once said: “There are unjust laws as there are unjust men.” We have in Kenya people elected to serve the people who have in their twisted minds that, they are now “our bosses.” We must remind them that they are our servants.
Bi$$h,
You create an problem…
Bi$$h,
You create an problem , then solve it? Kenyans are not that stupid.
Peaceful demo never happens…
Peaceful demo never happens due to lack of organization and infiltration. Other nations do peaceful protest. Politicians measure success of a demo by casualties. That’s Rao
The late Mohandas Karamchand…
The late Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi of India once said: “There are unjust laws as there are unjust men.” We have in Kenya people elected to serve the people who have in their twisted minds that, they are now “our bosses.” We must remind them that they are our servants.”Thanks@ Ndugu Imara for reminding people that the elected officials are our servants,and we the voters are the bosses.Yes, these elected officials are to voters what Shamba boys are to shamba-owners.
I hope that with this awakening brought about by these protests,we as Kenyans have opened anew chapter in this ever expanding book of life.
Gen Z protesters have demanded a total,open and transparent audit of the National Debt.This is critical folks.I am not sure if Ruto will go with that,but the masses being the boss his administration should do so.
The core issue of the protests is the bill to raise taxes to pays for our ballooning debts caused by excessive borrowing.
So in the spirit of fairness, transparency and love for the counrty, let’s have this audit.This will tell us where to trim the fat,and hopefully put some of these ‘fatcats’ where they belong;in jail.
The late Mohandas Karamchand…
The late Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi of India once said: “There are unjust laws as there are unjust men.” We have in Kenya people elected to serve the people who have in their twisted minds that, they are now “our bosses.” We must remind them that they are our servants.”Thanks@ Ndugu Imara for reminding people that the elected officials are our servants,and we the voters are the bosses.Yes, these elected officials are to voters what Shamba boys are to shamba-owners.
I hope that with this awakening brought about by these protests,we as Kenyans have opened anew chapter in this ever expanding book of life.
Gen Z protesters have demanded a total,open and transparent audit of the National Debt.This is critical folks.I am not sure if Ruto will go with that,but the masses being the boss his administration should do so.
The core issue of the protests is the bill to raise taxes to pays for our ballooning debts caused by excessive borrowing.
So in the spirit of fairness, transparency and love for the counrty, let’s have this audit.This will tell us where to trim the fat,and hopefully put some of these ‘fatcats’ where they belong;in jail.