MPs propose law to restrict protests to designated zones amid Gen Z unrest concerns
The MPs have pledged to introduce legislation limiting public demonstrations to designated areas, arguing that the move is essential to prevent destruction of property and loss of life.
Members of Parliament have accused the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) of unfairly targeting police officers by focusing solely on their conduct during the Gen Z anniversary protests, while ignoring allegations that protesters were incited to cause unrest.
The MPs have vowed to introduce legislation that will restrict public demonstrations to designated areas, saying it is necessary to prevent destruction and loss of life.
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Speaking in Likuyani during the launch of a women’s empowerment programme at Matunda Comprehensive School, Kanduyi MP John Makali defended the police, saying they face significant daily risks in maintaining public order.
“Our police officers face immense challenges in maintaining law and order daily. Yet, IPOA seems to disproportionately focus on disciplining them instead of supporting their efforts,” Makali said.
Limit protests
He noted that a section of MPs will table a proposal in Parliament to limit protests to specific zones, effectively barring street demonstrations in urban centres and on major roads.
“The right to peaceful protest is the cornerstone of our democracy. This motion, if enacted, will severely limit where Kenyans can exercise this right, pushing protests to remote areas and effectively silencing dissent in urban centres,” he said.
Makali added that no law allows for the destruction of property during demonstrations.
“It is very unfair for people to lose property and even some lose their lives due to protests,” he stated.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa said those responsible for inciting the youth to vandalise and torch businesses should be arrested.
“People’s children have lost jobs because businesses were torched. How do you influence a young man to do such evil? Those fueling the protests should be arrested and jailed. People invest so much in their businesses, and they should be protected,” Barasa said.
He also criticised certain leaders whom he accused of lacking basic leadership decorum.
“It’s very sad that someone who doesn’t know how to wear a suit is allowed to use the young generation badly to cause mayhem,” he noted.
'Calculated chaos'
On Saturday, President William Ruto weighed in on the unrest, describing the protests which led to the deaths of at least 16 people as “calculated chaos” and “economic sabotage.”
The protests broke out on Wednesday across Nairobi, Kisii, Mombasa, Nyeri, Nakuru and Eldoret, as young people demanded justice for victims of last year’s demonstrations, police accountability, and broader reforms in governance.
Police responded with heavy deployment across major towns, with multiple protest hotspots witnessing the use of live ammunition to disperse crowds. Several government installations were damaged, and dozens of businesses were looted or vandalised.
Kenya Power confirmed that a security guard was shot and killed outside its Stima Plaza headquarters, raising further concerns about the conduct of officers deployed to quell the protests.
According to Amnesty International, at least 16 people were killed and over 400 were injured during the protests.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said more than 300 police officers were also injured, with some sustaining permanent injuries.
Police stations attacked
Nine police stations were attacked, five of them torched, including those in Dagoretti, Molo and Ol Kalou. In addition, 88 police vehicles and over 90 other government and private vehicles were damaged. Five firearms were stolen from Dagoretti Police Post, while four others were burned at Gachui Police Post.
President Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, warned Kenyans against divisive leaders who use tribalism and violence for political gain.
“As a country, we are united as one, but we have some tribalist leaders who always preach hatred by inciting Kenyans. I urge Kenyans not to fall into such traps and instead support the government for development,” said Kibet.
South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro claimed the opposition used the Gen Z protests to destabilise the country and attempt what he called a “civilian coup.”
“It is the right of any Kenyan to picket, but it must be conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner. What we saw recently was an attempt by aggrieved individuals to try to slide our country into anarchy, and those behind the heinous act should be prosecuted,” Osoro said.
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe urged residents of the Western region to back President Ruto’s administration for continued equitable development.
“Western region has been marginalised for long in terms of development, but it is during Ruto’s regime that we have seen development, and we are behind the broad-based government,” Mugabe said.
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