NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 27 – The chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Claris Ogangah, has called for new rules to restrict demonstrations around key government and judicial institutions, including Parliament, State House and Judiciary buildings.

📻 Breaking It Down

Ogangah said the proposed regulations should define where demonstrations can take place, the hours within which they can be held and the public institutions that should be protected from direct protest action.

Speaking on Thursday during the Katiba at 16 symposium at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Ogangah said the proposal should be considered through a broad public debate before any legislation is introduced.

“Having seen how protests are done in Kenya, it is very important that we go ahead and provide legislation to provide the parameters within which people can demonstrate,” she said.

📌 What You Need to Know

She specifically identified Parliament, the Judiciary and State House as institutions whose immediate surroundings could be placed under restrictions because of their security significance.

“If you look at international best practices, places like Parliament, Judiciary and State House buildings are considered national security, and citizens are not allowed to protest around those areas,” Ogangah said.

Her proposal comes amid renewed debate over the conduct of demonstrations following a series of protests that have at times been accompanied by clashes, destruction of property and allegations of criminal elements infiltrating otherwise peaceful gatherings.

Ogangah said Kenya should examine how other countries regulate demonstrations, arguing that restrictions on access to certain sensitive government installations are not unique to the country.

“Kenya will not be the first country to do this. It is done globally,” she said, adding that some jurisdictions prescribe the locations protesters can use, areas they cannot approach and the periods during which demonstrations can be held.

The proposal comes against the backdrop of the events of June 25, 2024, when anti-Finance Bill protests escalated into some of the most serious unrest Kenya had witnessed in years.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya