Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has defended the proposed Bill to ban protests around protected areas. Photo: Esther Passaris X.
Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris, has thrown her support behind a Bill proposed in the National Assembly seeking to ban protests around designated and highly protected government areas including Parliament, State House and Judiciary.
According to Passaris, the growing insecurity in the country, and massive destruction of property witnessed during June 25 protests is enough to sail the Bill through to effect.
She cited the recent trending hashtags to occupy the National Assembly and State House that went viral before the June 25 anniversary protests in Nairobi, refuting claims that the protests are a peaceful march, but acts of war hidden behind “peaceful” protests.
“Public calls to occupy Parliament and State House went viral online in preparation of the protests. These are not peaceful protests. Rights have been turned into ruins,” Passaris remarked.
Asserting that the Constitution of Kenya 2010 provides for the right to hold peaceful protests, she however insisted that the right must be exercised responsibly, without infringing into that others.
Making reference to Article 24 of the Constitution, which allows for limitation of certain rights and freedoms, the right can be limited in justifiable and open society, and proven to be reasonable, further upholding human dignity, equality and freedom, as recognized in a democratic society.
Last week protests which began as a peaceful march turn chaotic in various parts of the country, with a section of goons looting and destroying properties, further witnessing confrontations between the police and protesters that has since triggered the changes on protests as enshrined in the constitution.
CS Interior Kipchumba Murkomen further stating that the protesters targeted government institutions. During the protests Kikuyu Law Courts, Nyandarua police Station were torched to ashes by protesters, as well as Kiambu County offices in Kikuyu Sub-County.
According to the ODM legislator, the Bill is there to cushion the country against repeat of such atrocities,” The Bill is a direct response to that crisis,” she stated.
Following the June 25 protests, Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR), had recorded 19 deaths as of June, Friday 27, 179 arrests, 15 enforced disappearances 2 rape cases from the counties that witnessed the protests.
Leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza government have been at the forefront championing for the regulation of protests in the country, describing the recent protests as acts of terrorism, disguised as peaceful protests.
