- Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the move by CS Kithure Kindiki providing direction ahead of Tuesday's nationwide protests is ingenuine.
- Kalonzo said that police officers should desist from threatening, intimidating or harassing any Kenyan participating in a protest.
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Azimio coalition has called out the CS in charge of Interior Ministry for allegedly trying to intimidate protesters.
In a statement, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the move by CS Kithure Kindiki providing direction ahead of Tuesday's nationwide protests is ingenuine.
On Monday, Kindiki issued guidelines to be followed during the demonstrations against the Finance Bill, 2024.
"Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party stands in solidarity with Gen Z demonstrators and Kenyans who peacefully exercised their constitutionally protected rights to assembly, demonstration, picketing, and petition under Article 37 of our Constitution," Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo alleged that the guidelines issued by the CS are meant to threaten and intimidate protesters against exercising these rights.
The Wiper leader added that any Act or law that violates the Constitution is unconstitutional to the degree of the violation.
"We are concerned to see that Kindiki is citing the antiquated Public Order Act standards, which do not trump our Constitution. Instead, they are an obvious attempt to intimidate and frighten Kenyans who want to use their constitutional rights to the fullest extent possible."
Kalonzo said that police officers should desist from threatening, intimidating or harassing any Kenyan participating in a protest.
According to the Wiper leader, Azimio will be watching and documenting police behaviour during the protests.
Kalonzo said previous protests held by the young generation have been nonviolent.
He added that any police officer who tries to break up Tuesday's protests will be held accountable for their actions on an individual basis.
While outline the directives, Kindiki said as much as the Constitution allows Kenyans to demonstrate, they should exercise it within the law.
Kindiki asked protesters to adhere to the Protected Areas Act (Cap 204) and the Public Order Act (Cap 57) of the Laws of Kenya.
"Whatever the issues, whichever the grievances, whatever the matter, the rule of law and public order must be maintained by all," he said.
The CS told protesters to remain peaceful and unarmed throughout their demonstrations, avoid engaging in violence or riots and should not breach public peace.
Kindiki added that protesters should not intimidate or harass non-protesters who will not be pertaking in the demonstrations.
According to him, Kenyans protesting should inform the police of their intended routes and timings and call off their activities by sunset or 6.30 pm, whichever comes first.