- The Assembly and Demonstration Bill 2024 was proposed to reportedly tighten regulations on public demonstrations across Kenya.
- Critics viewed this provision as quite restrictive on the constitutionally guaranteed right to peaceful assembly.
Image: FILE
Kenyans have five days to give their views on a controversial Bill that seeks to regulate how demonstrations are conducted.
The Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024 has sparked widespread criticism and heated protests since its introduction last year.
It was proposed to tighten regulations on demonstrations.
Critics said the Bill is restrictive on the constitutionally guaranteed right to peaceful assembly.
It also mandated rigorous pre-event notification requirements.
The proposed law also seeks to grant extensive powers to law enforcement authorities to curb protests deemed disruptive to public order.
Among its provisions were stringent penalties, including fines of up to Sh100,000 and potential jail term for violators.
The Bill seeks among others to compel conveners of demonstrations to notify police three days in advance before proceeding with their intention.
Sponsored by Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku, the proposed law also seeks to have demos organisers disclose their home address, before the protests are approved.
It seeks to restrict demonstrations to between six o’clock in the morning and six o’clock in the afternoon.
“A person intending to convene an assembly or demonstration shall notify the regulating officer of such intent at least three days but not more than fourteen days before the proposed date of the assembly or demonstration,” the Bill states.
“Where the regulating officer notifies the organiser of an assembly or demonstration in accordance with subsection (4) that it is not possible to hold the proposed assembly or demonstration, such assembly or demonstration shall not be held on the date, at the time and venue proposed, but may, subject to this section, be held on such future date as the organizer may subsequently notify.”
A notice by National Assembly clerk Samuel Njoroge says Kenyans have until Monday next week to give their views on the Bill.
“In compliance with Article 118 (1)(b) of the Constitution and Standing Order 127(3), the Departmental committee hereby invites the public and stakeholders to submit memoranda on the Bill,” the notice says.
“…to be received on or before Monday, 9th September 2024 at 5 pm.”
The Bill triggered controversy and at one point the Mbeere North legislator announced intention to withdraw it after public disapproval.
"I have heard the voice of Kenyans and therefore decided to withdraw the Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024 (National Assembly Bills No. 28 of 2024). I will officially be writing to the Speaker of the National Assembly,'' Ruku posted on his X account in June.