Some of the youths during the Gen Z protests in June 2024/FILEDemonstrations that began peacefully quickly turned into scenes of chaos in several cities. In Nairobi, Kisumu and parts of Mombasa, security forces clashed with protesters.
Roads were blocked, tear gas filled the air, arrests soared, and others lost their lives. A call for justice turned into a standoff between police and the public.
Following that, on Wednesday, June 25, Gen Z will hold a protest framed as an anniversary for those killed during the 2024 Gen Z protests.
Opposition leaders led by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and civil society organisations have vowed to lead the processions to demand justice for those affected.
A candlelight vigil is also expected in honour of those killed.
Therefore, it is important for one to know how to stay safe.
According to Article 19, here is how you can stay safe.
Check Online for Updates
This will let you know what sort of police presence is at the protest, whether teargas/pepper spray is being used and if there are any transport disruptions. This’ll allow you to plan accordingly, pre-empt issues and stay safe!
Travel Light and Carry Water
When protesting, it is best to carry as few items as possible. Big bags and stuffed pockets will bump into your fellow protestors, and are likely to cause obstructions that can be cumbersome. Not only is it impractical to carry large items, but if a protest is disrupted by the authorities, big bags can make exiting an area quickly far more difficult, and they should be left at home. You should only carry the essentials. Mobile phone, wallet, keys and of course water.
Digital security
There have been reports of phone tapping ahead of protests, and activists have reported needing to leave their phones at home to avoid being arrested. To avoid infiltration or spying, be mindful of who you share your whereabouts with, and encrypted apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Line are generally safer to use than SMS.
Carry a Towel or an Old T Shirt
Why? In case you are struck with tear gas, breathing through a towel or an old t-shirt can help minimise the effects on your respiratory system. This is especially important if you suffer from respiratory conditions like asthma.
Do Not Tie Your Hair Back.
For protestors with long hair, it is very important to avoid tying their hair into a ponytail. Whilst it might seem like a good idea to tie your hair and keep it out of your eyes, a long ponytail presents would-be attackers with an easy target to pull you back, and has been known to happen on several occasions. To avoid injury, it is advisable to instead tuck your hair into your shirt, wear a hat, or tie your hair into a small bun. This will minimise the chances of an attacker grabbing your hair and pulling you back.
Other tips include:
Know your rights before you go
The First Amendment protects your right to assemble and express your views through protest. This means you can gather, chant and hold signs, but there are limits.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), one doesn’t need a permit to march on sidewalks or public streets as long as you are not obstructing traffic or pedestrians.
During the protest, one must not block traffic or play sound systems, but in case of otherwise, you may need a permit.
Even so, officials cannot deny a permit just because the protest may be controversial. That would violate constitutional protections.
“A permit can’t be denied simply because your message is unpopular,” The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) noted.
Permit rules must not be used to stop spontaneous protests. Restrictions like limiting the sound or where you can walk may be challenged if they are unnecessary or interfere with the message.
What to expect from police and how to respond
During demonstrations, law enforcement is allowed to manage crowds, but they must do so under strict guidelines.
Police may only break up a protest if it presents a “clear and present danger,” like a riot or public safety threat.
Regardless, HRC noted that shutting down a protest should always be last resort for the police.
If a dispersal order is given, officers must give a clear message about what is happening. They must tell protestors where they can safely go and how much time they have to leave.
According to the ACLU, “Protesters must receive enough time to comply with dispersal orders and a clear exit path before arrests are made.”
If you are stopped by police during a protest, remain calm.
Keep your hands visible and avoid sudden movements.
“Do not resist, even if you feel your rights are being violated. You have the right to ask if you are free to leave. If the answer is yes, walk away slowly and calmly,” ACLU advised.
In case of arrest, ask why. You have the right to remain silent and to speak to a lawyer.
“Do not sign anything or speak further without your lawyer present,” ACLU warned.
“If you call a lawyer, police are not allowed to listen in.”
Police are not allowed to search your personal belongings without your consent unless they believe you are carrying a weapon or you have been arrested.
As a protester, you should never agree to a search unless you are required to by law. If you do, it may affect you later in court.
Importantly, if you are taking videos or photographs, know that police cannot delete them or view them without a warrant.
They may ask you to move if you're interfering with operations, but your media is protected.
“Filming police in public spaces is a right as it helps ensure accountability,” HRC noted.
Steps to take if your rights are violated
If you feel your rights were violated during a protest, gather as much information as you can.
Write down details of what happened, including the officers' badge numbers, the time, location and any police unit involved.
Talk to witnesses and ask for their contact details.
Take photos of any injuries or damage to your belongings, as it will help if you decide to file a complaint.
Once you have the information, send a written report to the internal affairs division of the police department involved, or submit it to an independent civilian complaint board if available in your area.
Finally, ACLU noted that the right to protest is a cornerstone of any free society.
ACLU also emphasised that rights also come with risks, especially when tensions are high.
“Staying informed and prepared can
make the difference between a safe demonstration and a dangerous one,” ACLU
noted.
