The Kenyan government has announced it will permit the nationwide anti-Finance Bill protest scheduled for Tuesday, June 25, provided it remains peaceful. In a rare move, Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki confirmed on Monday that demonstrators can proceed as long as they adhere to the rule of law.
The protests, which began last week, are in opposition to the proposed Finance Bill 2024, criticized for potentially burdening Kenyans with increased taxes. Despite the government’s attempts to amend the Bill, protesters demand its complete withdrawal. So far, two fatalities have been reported in the ongoing demonstrations.
“The government of Kenya will respect, uphold, promote and fulfil the inalienable constitutional right of every person peaceably and unarmed to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions to authorities,” said Prof Kindiki in his State of Homeland Security address.
He warned against any actions that might disrupt public order or damage infrastructure, emphasizing that demonstrators must not interfere with transport or access restricted areas like State House or Parliament buildings.
Key conditions outlined by Kindiki for the protests include:
- Peaceful and Unarmed: Demonstrators must remain peaceful and unarmed throughout the protest.
- Non-Violent Engagement: Activities must not promote violence or riots.
- Public Order: Public order must not be breached.
- Respect for Others: Protesters must not intimidate or inconvenience non-protesting members of the public.
- Police Notification: Organizers must inform the police of their plans, including routes and timings, for proper escort and law enforcement.
- Time Restrictions: Protests must conclude by sunset or 6:30 PM, whichever is earlier.
- Non-Provocation: Protesters must not provoke or obstruct law enforcement officers or the public and must follow police guidelines to avoid infiltrations.
- Protection of Property: There should be no obstruction, vandalism, or destruction of private or public property.
- Transport Interference: Demonstrators must not interfere with road, rail, sea, or air transport.
Kindiki reiterated that the national security organs would remain neutral but firm in law enforcement. He assured that non-protesters must also abide by the same legal limitations and exercise their rights respectfully.
“The national security organs of our country shall remain neutral, apolitical but firm in enforcing the law of our country and no form of lawlessness is going to be entertained whatsoever. Those who wish to exercise their constitutional right can do so today, tomorrow, and every day because it is their right to do so. But must adhere to the rule of law,” he concluded.
