Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has now issued strict directives to those planning to stage anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests starting from Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
Addressing the nation on Monday, June 24, 2024, the Interior Cabinet Secretary announced that all protests must end by 6:30 pm.
Kindiki made it clear that the timeline is contained in the Public Order Act and allows law enforcement officers to carry out their functions effectively.
“They must stop their activities at sunset or at 6:30 pm, whichever is early in accordance with the Public Order Act,” Kindiki announced.
During the protests, CS Kindiki also announced that the protesters must inform the police in advance of all their activities.
He explained that the security officers should be properly briefed on protest routes for them to coordinate the demonstrations.
“They must also notify the police of the timings of their activities,” he insisted.
While issuing the notice, Kindiki maintained that the right to demonstration and picketing is contained in the constitution.
During demos, Kindiki directed the protesters to follow the guidelines of police officers who will be on standby to protect them from other non-protesters who hold different opinions.
However, the Interior CS has warned those planning to take part in the protests against provoking or attacking police officers.
“They must not provoke, injure or attack law enforcement officers or even members of the public. They must also follow the escort and the guidelines of law enforcement officers to ensure they are protected from non-protesters,” he stated.
“According to Article 24 (1d) of the Constitution, this right as all other rights is limited by among other things; the need to ensure that the enjoyment of this right does not prejudice the rights and freedoms of others. It follows, therefore, that those exercising the Article 37 right to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and present petitions to public authorities peaceably and unarmed.”
Warning against destroying property
Nonetheless, Kindiki sounded a warning to protesters against destroying critical infrastructure. He made it clear that the police will deal with anyone found culpable of the vice.
“The protestors must not interfere with road, rail, sea or air transport.”
His guidelines come amidst plans for nationwide protests schedules for Tuesday June 25, 2024. People across different social media platforms have vowed to take to the street to reject the Finance Bill 2024.
This comes even as leaders led by President William Ruto have vowed to engage the young people.
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