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Amnesty International to deploy observers ahead of Finance Bill protest

Lonny says the observers will document and record the events during the demo

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by FAITH KIAMA

News18 June 2024 - 07:00

In Summary


  • Amnesty shared that today's call for Kenyans to assemble outside parliament is in line with the rights of Kenyans to assemble, demonstrate, picket and petition parliament under constitution of Kenya Article 37.
  • Additionally Amnesty added that the focus of the picket is too express the views of Kenyans on the 2024/2025 Budget and taxation measures being proposed.
A poster on the planned protest

Amnesty International Kenya is set to deploy protest observers at today's occupancy of the parliament demonstration that takes place on June 18, 2024.

In a statement shared on X, Amnesty shared that today's call for Kenyans to assemble outside parliament is in line with the rights of Kenyans to assemble, demonstrate, picket and petition parliament under the constitution of Kenya Article 37.

"Our protest observers will be at the Occupy Parliament protest today, documenting and recording the events. We urge authorities to uphold Kenyans' Right To Protest," Amnesty International stated.

Additionally, Amnesty added that the focus of the picket is to express the views of Kenyans on the 2024/2025 Budget and taxation measures being proposed.

Amnesty International Kenya and other human rights organisations have trained and deployed observers to document and record what may happen outside the National Assembly.

"We urge the authorities to facilitate Kenyan's rights to express themselves and assemble peacefully throughout the day'" Amnesty International added.

The protest dubbed Occupy Parliament is expected to coincide with the tabling of the Bill in the House.

One of the organisers Boniface Mwangi said ⁠Kenyans from every part of the country will convene in various parts of the city before marching to Parliament.

The protests start at 11 am with Harambee Avenue being the main route.

The voting on the Bill is expected to be on Thursday, June 20.

There are fears the protesters may block the Members of Parliament from accessing the House, police said adding there will be deployment of anti-riot teams.



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