'Finance Bill 2024 demos: Babu Owino fails to bail out protesters'

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino’s efforts to secure the release of protesters arrested during demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 hit a roadblock.

The MP visited Central Police Station, demanding the immediate release of all detained citizens without bail noting the demonstration is a constitutional right.

“I went to Central Police Station to demand for the immediate release of all Kenyans who were arrested for demonstrating,” Babu Owino declared. “Demonstration is a constitutional right that cannot be suspended by a mere Inspector General of Police Koome. The fight must continue,” Babu stated in a post on his X account.

Earlier, while addressing a press conference at Parliament buildings on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, Babu Owino gave the police an ultimatum of 24 hours to release the protesters, failure to which he threatened to take legal action against Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.

“We are giving police 24 hours to release these peaceful protesters without charge or we will move to court against the Inspector General of Police Koome in his individual capacity for gross violation of the freedom of speech and the right to picket and protest which is enshrined in our Constitution 2010,” Babu Owino said.

Finance Bill protests illegal?

Kenyans over the weekend took to social media to share the statement ‘Occupy Parliament’ with the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024, rallying against over-taxation ahead of the Finance Bill 2024 tabling.

This movement called on citizens and activists to protest in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Tuesday, June 18 at 11:00 am.

As promised, protesters gathered in force, greeting MPs with chants of “Ruto must go” during the Parliamentary session.

These demonstrators filled Parliament Road, voicing their anger over the Finance Bill 2024, which proposed additional taxes on already burdened taxpayers.

However, some of the protesters were swiftly apprehended by police officers who were on standby and were taken to the station. Others dispersed and were met with teargas.

Nairobi’s regional police commander, Adamson Bungei, declared all protests in the city illegal, despite organizers asserting they had notified the authorities and were prepared for the demonstration.

Bungei said that no official permit applications for assembly or picketing had been received, making the planned protest unlawful.

“The notice submitted to Central is dated June 17, 2023, and it is inaccurate. We cannot approve it. No demonstrations will be allowed. Kenyans should be free to go about their business, and those with grievances should address them through the appropriate channels,” he stated.

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