The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has issued an update ahead of the planned protests on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
In a statement Thursday, the Ministry listed seven things expected from members of the public intending to carry out protests.
“The respect for the sanctity of human life as guaranteed by Article 26 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the security of property is not negotiable,” the ministry said in the statement.
- Notify the Police in advance.
- Remain peaceful at all times.
- Stay unarmed, and do not carry offensive weapons.
- Do not engage in or promote violence or riots.
- Do not breach public order, or intimidate or harass others.
- Protests are to end by 6 pm.
- Police are on the ground to provide safety and protection for all.
The planned demos are set to happen even as President William Ruto oversees the swearing-in of 19 cabinet secretaries after they were approved by Parliament on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
“Security agencies are under instruction to exercise restraint during peaceful protests and use of non-lethal force to ensure public safety,” the ministry added.
While Ruto initially dissolved nearly the entire of his cabinet in response to the protestors’ demands, he reinstated ten of them amidst a public outcry.
They, were, however, renominated to different dockets in the new broad-based government, save for Interior cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki who retained his previous ministry.
Ruto also introduced fresh faces in his cabinet including Hassan Joho (Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), John Mbadi (Treasury and National Planning), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), Julius Migos Ogamba (Education), Eric Murithi Muuga (Water), Debra Mlongo Barasa (Health), Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u (ICT) and Andrew Mwihia Karanja (Agriculture).
Planned protests
The revolutionary artiste Kasmuel Mcoure has called on the government to ensure police officers clearly identify themselves during the demos, warning that officers who disguise themselves will be treated as robbers.
“If we see an unidentified man in civilian clothing riding in government vehicles that have obfuscated apologies, we shall treat them as robbers, thieves and terrorisers. I want to assure all Kenyans that we have not gathered here today in vain. We assure Kenyans that we will not see those madmen on the streets,” McOure said.
In July, Ruto promised to take a tough stance on the protesting youth, stating that he had ceded enough ground, but the protesters seemed undetermined to reach a consensus with him.
The demonstrations have led to the deaths of at least 42 Kenyans according to the government, while civil rights bodies place the number at more than 60 people.
