Public Service, Human Capital Development
and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has re-endorsed the
controversial Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024.
The Bill, which Ruku
first introduced during his tenure as Mbeere North MP, has resurfaced in the
wake of the ongoing, youth-led demonstrations sweeping across the country.'
The protests, largely
driven by Gen Z activists, have spotlighted public discontent and sparked a
renewed national conversation about civic rights and government accountability.
Speaking during a
televised interview with NTV, Ruku defended the Bill, arguing that the current
legal framework—anchored in the Public Order Act of 1952—is outdated and
undemocratic.
“The Public Order Act
of 1952 is very old. It was not meant for a democratic Kenya and was intended
to subdue the natives, who are Kenyans,” Ruku said.
“It was not enacted by
Kenyans. It was for gagging Kenyans and ensuring Kenyans do not enjoy their
rights.”
Ruku clarified that the
proposed legislation aims to repeal Sections 5 and 6 of the Public Order Act,
ushering in a new regulatory structure for public demonstrations.
However, critics say
the new Bill would impose even tighter restrictions on citizens’ constitutional
right to peaceful assembly.
Under the proposed law,
protest organisers would be required to notify police of any planned gathering
between three and 14 days in advance.
Clause 5(3) of the Bill
mandates the disclosure of extensive details, including the organiser’s full
name and address, the date, time, and location of the protest, the expected
number of participants, and the proposed slogans and placards.
Moreover, Clause 18
introduces stiff penalties for failure to comply, including fines of up to
Sh100,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
Analysts say such
provisions would effectively criminalise spontaneous protests, which have
become a hallmark of recent youth-led movements.
Civil society groups
and human rights organisations have voiced strong opposition to the Bill,
warning that it could roll back hard-won democratic freedoms.
“This is a deliberate
attempt to silence dissent and erode civil liberties,” said one activist.
“Kenyans should not need government permission to speak out.”
