Interior CS nominee Prof. Kithure Kindiki has proposed new regulations under the Public Order Act requiring protesters to declare the exact number of participants in demonstrations. Addressing the National Assembly Appointments Committee during his vetting, Prof. Kindiki stated that these regulations had been drafted prior to his dismissal and awaited Cabinet approval before being presented to Parliament.
If sanctioned, the regulations will establish explicit guidelines to ensure both police and protesters operate within constitutional boundaries. Prof. Kindiki emphasized the practicality of these measures, referring to them as “a low-hanging fruit that can be implemented if approved by this House.”
Key components of the proposed regulations include:
– Protesters must declare the exact number of demonstrators for security planning purposes.
– Public institutions will designate specific areas for public picketing and petitioning, minimizing disruption to non-participating citizens.
During the vetting, Prof. Kindiki faced scrutiny regarding the police’s conduct in recent demonstrations, which saw accusations of excessive force. He defended the police actions, citing the necessity to stabilize the country amid criminal activities that exploited the protests.
Prof. Kindiki revealed that protesters had burned 110 vehicles nationwide. He assured the committee that any officers found to have used excessive force would be held accountable according to the Constitution, with the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) managing such cases.
These proposed regulations aim to balance the right to protest with public safety and order, ensuring a structured approach to future demonstrations.
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