National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for
urgent reforms to the laws governing public protests in the country.
He warned that the constitutional right to demonstrate has
been grossly abused, often leading to violence, destruction and loss of life.
Speaking during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme in
Kabuchoi, Wetang’ula decried the recent wave of violent protests, calling them
a distortion of constitutional freedoms.
“Let’s be clear. The Constitution guarantees the right to
assemble and protest, but it does not give anyone the license to riot, loot,
burn property, rape, maim or kill,” he said.
“That is lawlessness, and no society should tolerate it.”
Citing the United Kingdom’s approach, Wetang’ula urged the adoption of a
legal model that holds protest organisers personally accountable for violence
and damage resulting from demonstrations.
“We need to borrow this model,” he said.
“When politicians and protest leaders urge our youth to
burn, loot, and destroy while their own children are studying abroad, they must
be held accountable. Freedom must come with responsibility.”
He tasked Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and MPs to
spearhead legislative reforms, 15 years after the 2010 Constitution came into
effect, to close loopholes that allow violence to flourish under the guise of
peaceful protest.
His remarks come amid mounting political tension following
violent Saba Saba demonstrations, and sharp criticism of former Deputy
President Rigathi Gachagua, whom Wetang’ula accused of exporting “political bad
manners” to the United States.
“He’s instigating chaos at home, then fleeing to the US to
divide the diaspora,” Wetang’ula said.
“The people he’s
addressing in America were born there; they don’t know Kenyan tribes. He’s
exporting Kenya’s political toxicity abroad.”
He added that Gachagua no longer represents anyone in Kenya
and urged citizens to reject divisive leaders.
“That man represents no one. He disrespects even the most
ordinary leaders. We must uphold peace, harmony, and mutual respect,” he said.
Wetang’ula was accompanied by key Kenya Kwanza leaders, including Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Whip Silvanus
Osoro, Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, and MPs Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), Dick
Maungu (Luanda), John Waluke (Sirisia), and Kakai Bisai (Kiminini), among
others.
Ichung’wah echoed Wetang’ula’s sentiments, warning that all
individuals behind the violent protests, regardless of political standing, would
face justice.
“Whether you’re an MP or not, if you planned or sponsored
those riots, you will face justice. Even I, as Majority Leader, would not be
spared. No one is above the law,” he asserted.
His remarks appeared aimed at Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, who
was recently arrested in connection with the protests.
Through her legal team, including Senior Counsel Kalonzo
Musyoka and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, Kihara has dismissed the charges as
politically motivated.
Ichung’wah was unrelenting, insisting that those who incited
youth to loot and destroy property must be held accountable.
“Stop crying. If you told youths to loot shops, torch police
stations, or destroy property, carry your cross. Ask your political sponsors to
help you bear it,” he charged.
The MP also urged Rift Valley residents to resist any attempts to stir tribal conflict, warning them against repeating the mistakes of the 2007/08 post-election violence.
