NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning and set clear guidelines for Kenyans planning to protest against the Finance Bill 2024 on Tuesday.
Amid rising tensions, the CS emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during the demonstrations.
Speaking on Monday, Jun 24, CS Kindiki acknowledged the right of Kenyans to demonstrate but underscored that this right is bound by the law.
He stressed that while citizens have the freedom to protest, they must ensure that their actions do not infringe on the rights and freedoms of others.
“Protesters must not interfere with non-protesters,” Kindiki stated. “They must ensure that the enjoyment of these rights does not prejudice the rights and freedoms of others.”
Kindiki highlighted the necessity for protests to remain peaceful and unarmed, urging demonstrators to avoid any form of violence or riots.
He outlined specific prohibitions, including interference with road, rail, sea, or air transport.
“Whatever the demands, the issues, grievances, or whatever the matter, the rule of law and public order must be maintained by all persons,” he declared.
The CS also addressed non-protesters, urging them to respect the law and avoid confrontations with demonstrators.
He assured that security agencies would remain neutral but firm in enforcing the rule of law.
To facilitate order during the protests, Kindiki called on demonstrators to inform the police of their plans, including the routes they will take and the timings of their activities.
This information is crucial for providing police escort and ensuring law and order.
“Protesters must inform the police of the routes they will take for purposes of providing escort and ensuring that there is law and order,” he said. “They should notify the police of the timings of their activities.”
The CS set a firm deadline for protests, stating that picketing must conclude by sunset at 6 pm. He also urged protesters to avoid provoking, injuring, or obstructing police officers and fellow Kenyans.
“Protesters must not breach public order, intimidate, harass, or inconvenience other Kenyans,” Kindiki asserted. “They should follow the police officers for protection and carry out the exercise in an orderly manner.”
He affirmed that Kenyans are free to exercise their constitutional rights to demonstrate, provided they do so within the legal framework.
