Last week, the National Assembly rejected a bill that sought to curtail the right to protest, which is a right that has serious implications on freedom of expression, association and political rights. The crux of the amendment bill introduced by Ruiru Member of Parliament Simon King’ara was that it sought to criminalise protests that end up in violence. However, experts caution that it ignores certain fundamental nuances on the nature of the right to assemble, protest, picket and demonstrate peacefully. Read MoreIn every election cycle, there has been a spike in police killings and assaults during public order operations. According to Article 37 of the Constitution, the right to assemble or protest has a precondition of being peaceful and unarmed by the users.

Source: Standard Digital February 18, 2021 20:01 UTC