Government Greenlights Peaceful Anti-Finance Bill Protests
The government has announced it will permit the planned nationwide protest against the Finance Bill, scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 25, provided it remains peaceful. In an unusual move, Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki stated on Monday that demonstrators may proceed with their plans as long as they adhere to the rule of law.
These protests, which began last week, oppose the proposed Finance Bill 2024, deemed draconian and a tax burden on Kenyans. While the government attempted some concessions, protesters demand the complete withdrawal of the Bill, not just amendments. Unfortunately, two fatalities have already been reported.
“The government of Kenya will respect, uphold, promote, and fulfill the inalienable constitutional right of every person to assemble peaceably and unarmed, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to authorities,” Prof. Kindiki declared in his State of Homeland Security speech.
Kindiki warned protesters against disrupting peace, emphasizing that demonstrations must not interfere with transportation systems, whether road, rail, sea, or air.
He also issued stern warnings against attempts to march to the State House or forcefully enter Parliament buildings and other government areas. “Protesters must not obstruct, block, vandalize, or destroy any private or public property. They must adhere to the laws of Kenya, including the Protected Areas Act, which restricts access to critical infrastructure for national security reasons,” he asserted.
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Kindiki laid out specific guidelines for the protests:
- Peaceful and Unarmed: Demonstrators must remain peaceful and unarmed throughout the protest, from assembly to the presentation of petitions.
- No Violence: Activities must not promote violence or riots.
- Public Order: Public order must not be breached.
- Respect for Non-Protesters: Protesters must not intimidate, harass, or inconvenience those not participating.
- Police Notification: Protesters must inform the police of their intentions, routes, and timings to facilitate police escort and maintain order.
- Time Restrictions: Activities must conclude by sunset or 6:30 PM, whichever comes first.
- No Provocation: Protesters must not provoke, attack, injure, or obstruct law enforcement officers or the public. They must follow police guidelines to protect against infiltrators.
- Property Protection: Demonstrators must not damage any property, public or private, and adhere to laws, including the Protected Areas Act.
- Transport Systems: There must be no interference with road, rail, sea, or air transport.
Prof. Kindiki assured that police would maintain neutrality but enforce the law firmly. “National security organs shall remain neutral, apolitical, and firm in law enforcement, with no tolerance for lawlessness,” he stated.
“Those exercising their constitutional right to protest may do so today, tomorrow, and every day, but must adhere to the rule of law,” Kindiki concluded.
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Government Greenlights Peaceful Anti-Finance Bill Protests