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On Thursday, Kithure Kindiki, the nominee for Cabinet Secretary, informed Parliament that if he is reappointed to the Interior Ministry, he will clearly define specific areas for protests, picketing, and petitioning.
During his vetting for the position, Kindiki, who previously served as Interior CS, revealed that before President William Ruto disbanded his Cabinet on July 11, he had prepared draft regulations for the Public Order Act in response to the violent nationwide anti-government demonstrations.
Kindiki explained that these draft regulations outline how police should manage protests to prevent them from disrupting public order and potentially overwhelming bystanders.
He added that the regulations would require public institutions to identify designated areas within or near their premises where protesters can gather to demonstrate or submit petitions. Additionally, protest organizers would need to notify the police in advance about the expected number of participants.
Kindiki argued that these measures would help prevent the deaths and property damage witnessed during recent protests.
He was addressing a question from National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who suggested that the lack of designated “picketing corners” by the Interior Ministry has led to confrontations between police and protesters.
Ichung’wah noted that the public often attempts to picket in restricted areas due to the absence of clearly defined protest zones.
Since President Ruto withdrew the controversial 2024 Finance Bill last month, protests have continued against his administration, with calls for a government overhaul or his resignation. These protests, often organized via social media, have seen demonstrators marching to significant locations like Nairobi city center, Parliament buildings, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The police have faced criticism for their use of excessive force, including firing on unarmed civilians, making forceful arrests, and allegedly abducting outspoken individuals involved in the protests. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has reported over 60 deaths related to the demonstrations.
