Silverio Omari
Cabinet Secretary nominee Kithure Kindiki told Parliament on Thursday that if reappointed to the Interior Ministry, he would establish designated areas for Kenyans to protest, picket, and present petitions.
During his vetting for the ministerial post, the former Interior CS mentioned that before President William Ruto dissolved his Cabinet on July 11, he had finalized draft regulations for the Public Order Act following the deadly nationwide anti-government protests.
Kindiki said the draft regulations outline how police should escort demonstrations to ensure protesters don’t “run amok” and overrun members of the public not involved in the protests. “It will also designate public institutions in all branches of government to set aside areas within their precincts or nearby where a group of protesters can assemble to demonstrate or present a petition to that institution,” Kindiki told the National Assembly Committee on Appointments. He added that the proposals require protest organizers to inform the police in advance of the expected number of protesters.
Kindiki argued that these measures would help prevent the deaths and property destruction seen in recent demonstrations.
He was responding to a question from National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who stated that “the confrontation between police and protesters” is due to the Interior Ministry’s failure to designate “picketing corners.”
“Kenyans think they can picket everywhere, including places considered restricted areas,” Ichung’wah said.
Protesters, reacting to President Ruto’s introduction of the contentious 2024 Finance Bill late last month, have continued demonstrations against his administration, calling for an overhaul of the entire government, with some demanding his resignation.
The demonstrations, largely organized on social media, have seen youth mobilize for marches to key locations such as Nairobi city center, Parliament buildings, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The police have been criticized for using excessive force and violence against Kenyans during the protests.
The main issues include the police opening fire on unarmed Kenyans, making forceful arrests, and orchestrating the abduction of vocal personalities involved in the demonstrations, which is seen as an attempt to suppress dissent against Ruto’s administration.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, over 60 people have been confirmed killed since the protests began.
