Member of Parliament (MP) for Githunguri Constituency Gathoni Wamuchomba has denounced the Assembly and Demonstration Bill introduced by Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku.
In a statement shared on X, Wamuchomba opposed the bill stating that it is oppressive and might lead to dictatorship.
The vocal MP further added that the introduction of such bills that limit fundamental rights is a ruthless subversion of democracy through parliament.
“This is a ruthless subversion of democracy through parliament! This bill is oppressive and a back door entry to dictatorship and should not be allowed to see the light of day. Let democracy thrive in Kenya,” Wamuchomba said.
“There are attempts to limit fundamental rights by introducing bills such as the Assembly and Demonstrations Bill 2024 which seeks to jail protestors for 1 year and fine them 100K for convening an assembly without notice and clearance by the police.”
She added that if the bill passes protestors will be penalized for wearing masks and that the police will be given full power to license demonstrations in writing.
“Protestors will also be fined for wearing a mask or obscuring their faces during protests. The bill grants police full power to allow and license demonstrations in writing,” she added.
Ruku’s anti-demos bill
The proposed Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024 (National Assembly Bills No. 28 of 2024) is aimed at tightening regulations on public demonstrations across Kenya.
According to Ruku, the legislation was intended to enhance the safety and security of protestors, non-protestors, and businesses, aligning with Article 37 of the Constitution.
“The bill was founded on the need to give effect to article 37 of the Constitution and to enhance the safety and security of the protestors, non-protestors and businesses. However, I have agreed with the will of Kenyans that the bill be withdrawn. #MaandamanoBill,” he stated.
“It would be helpful to explain 1. What exactly is the issue you were trying to address? 2. How exactly the Bill was going to address the issue? Kenyans have said they do not want any explanations. They have said we need to listen to them. If Kenyans say No to Maandamano Bill, we also say No. If Kenyans ask us to jump, we ask them how high we should jump. If they ask us to reason with them, then we reason with them.”
However, on Thursday, June 27, 2024, MP Ruku announced the decision to withdraw the controversial bill citing public opposition.
Ruku said that he had listened to the concerns of Kenyans, who expressed disinterest in having protests regulated by new legislation.
“I have heard the voice of Kenyans and therefore decided to withdraw the Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024. I will officially be writing to the Speaker of the National Assembly,” Ruku wrote on his X account on Thursday.
The 2010 constitution of Kenya is the most progressive constitution in Africa. The biggest gains of the 2010 constitution is the protection of human rights and respect for human dignity.
There are attempts to limit the fundamental rights by introducing bills such as the… pic.twitter.c*m/saT0475Lce— Hon.Gathoni Wamuchomba, HSC, MP (@hon_wamuchomba) August 22, 2024