Amnesty International Executive Director Irungu Houghton has said an unconstitutional ban on the right to assemble could lead to violence.
In an interview with the media on Wednesday, Houghton said it is a lesson picked from the March 20 antigovernmental demos.
"Lessons from March 20 were essential that unconstitutional ban on the right to assemble eventually leads to violence," he said.
"It also reduces the level of trust between the assembly organisers and the National Police Service."
Houghton said peaceful protests can be achieved where there is goodwill from police commanders.
Additionally, he said the agreement between protesters and police on the route and location of the protests ought to be made as a condition for peaceful demos.
He said protest marshals who ensure the demonstration remain peaceful and nonviolent are also important in such gatherings.
"Article 37 is not absolute, it is limited by the words nonviolent peaceful protests. So if you manage all those conditions it is possible for the protests to take place," he said.
Houghton said in 2022, there were many rallies across the country but many maintained peace.
"In 2022, how many rallies did we have with the exception of the Kenol-Kobil disaster where we lost two people, how many rallies did we have across the country that did not lead to this level of mayhem?" he posed.
On Sunday, Inspector General of police Japheth Koome banned opposition protests, saying none will be allowed this week.
Despite this, Kenyans still demonstrated led by Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
