Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has issued guidelines that must be followed by protesters to ensure safety and order during demonstrations.
Addressing a press conference at his Harambee House office on Monday, June 24, 2024, ahead of the planned Tuesday demonstrations, Kindiki warned the protesters to strictly adhere to the guidelines.
Kindiki on right to protest
He pointed out that Kenyans are free to assemble, picket and protest, provided that they abide by the laws of Kenya.
“Everyone has a right to assembly, picketing and protesting and they must do so peacefully.
“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,” Kindiki said.
Notify police
Kindiki also noted that protesters must first notify the security of their intentions to protest.
Kindiki who was flanked by Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo stated that the protesters should also notify the relevant authorities of all their routes to enable the police to provide security and escort.
The CS also noted that those participating in demonstrations must notify the police of the routes they will use for the police to offer escort. They must follow the police to ensure they are protected from non-protesters.
Protesters are then supposed to assemble in a peaceful manner and unarmed and remain peaceful throughout their demonstrations.
Protesters are also supposed not to interfere with the businesses of other Kenyans who are not willing to join the protests.
“They must not obstruct, block, vandalize or otherwise destroy any private or public property. They must adhere to the laws of Kenya including the Protected Areas Act that limits access to certain critical infrastructure for national security reasons; and the police will guide them on which areas they cannot access by operation of the law on the protection of critical infrastructure,” Kindiki said.
Kindiki in his presser also notified the protesters not to invade the places they are not supposed to enter.
The protesters, Kindiki says, should also end their protests by 6 pm.
“They must stop their activities at sunset or at 6:30pm whichever is earlier in accordance with the Public Order Act Cap 57 of the laws of Kenya. They must not provoke, attack, injure or obstruct law enforcement officers or even members of the public,” Kindiki pointed out.
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