Speaker Moses Wetang’ula calls for urgent protest law reform to end chaos

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Parliament to initiate urgent reforms to protest laws in the wake of violent demonstrations that have rocked various parts of the country.

He said that although Article 37 of the Constitution rightly protects the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions, this freedom is now being misused to commit crimes, leaving death, injury, and destruction in its wake.

Speaking during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme held in Kabuchoi, Aldai Constituency, Wetang’ula blamed the organisers of recent protests for failing to operate within legal boundaries, insisting the violence could have been avoided.

“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. That is lawlessness, and no society should tolerate it,” he said on Friday

He called on Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and fellow lawmakers to lead a fresh legislative review, 15 years after the 2010 Constitution was passed, to address weaknesses that allow unrest to flourish under the cover of peaceful protest.

While noting that the right to protest is essential in any democratic society, he reminded the public that this right is only to be exercised “peaceably and unarmed,” as clearly stated in the Constitution.

The Speaker pointed to countries like the United Kingdom, where organisers of protests can be held personally liable for the damage and chaos that result.

“We need to borrow this model,” Wetang’ula said. “When politicians and protest leaders urge our youth to burn, loot, and destroy, while their children are safely studying abroad, they must be held accountable. Freedom must come with responsibility.”

Wetang’ula also took a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of fueling political unrest in Kenya before fleeing to the United States, where he continues to incite division. “The people he’s meeting in America don’t even know about Kenyan tribes; they were born there. What he’s doing is exporting Kenya’s political toxicity to America,” he said.

He warned Kenyans against leaders who thrive on political chaos and urged them to protect the country’s unity and global image. “That man represents no one. He disrespects even the most ordinary of leaders. We must uphold peace, harmony, and mutual respect,” Wetang’ula emphasised.

The Speaker was joined by several leaders, including Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro, Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, and MPs Nabii Nabwera, Dick Maungu, John Waluke, and Kakai Bisai. Ichung’wah echoed Wetang’ula’s remarks, vowing that those behind the Saba Saba protests, no matter their position, 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 said.

“If you told youths to loot shops, torch police stations, or destroy property, you must carry that cross. Stop crying. Ask your political sponsors to help you bear it,” he said sharply,” the MP added.

Ichung’wah also warned Rift Valley residents against falling into tribal divisions and reminded them of the painful consequences of the 2007/08 post-election violence.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has also weighed in, saying the government is treating the recent protests not as peaceful demonstrations but as acts of organised criminality.

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He revealed that 42 people lost their lives, and nearly 600 were injured during the protests on June 25 and July 7, 2025. Of the injured, 496 were law enforcement officers.

“On June 25 and July 7, 2025, criminals in different parts of the country visited raw and unprecedented terror on innocent citizens, causing distress, disruption, mayhem and untold destruction,” Murkomen said.

“In this chaos, 42 Kenyans regrettably lost their lives, and close to 600 were injured. One life lost is one too many. We mourn every life lost and extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the affected families. To those who suffered injury, loss, and trauma on those two fateful days of sheer terror, we say poleni sana.”

Murkomen also disclosed that 50 people are currently under investigation by the Serious Crimes Investigations Unit, while 71 others are being handled by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit.

The suspects are said to be part of coordinated groups involved in terrorism, arson, robbery with violence, sexual assault, and destruction of critical infrastructure. So far, close to 1,500 suspects have been arrested countrywide in connection with the unrest.