The Assembly and Demonstration Bill of 2024 seeking to regulate demonstrations in Kenya proposes a one-year jail term for spontaneous demonstrators.
The bill was sponsored by Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Geoffrey Ruku when he was Mbeere North Member of Parliament (MP).
President William Ruto said he would engage the judiciary and MPs on drafting a law to regulate demonstrations. “We will have a conversation with the Judiciary and all the other actors, MPs …I think it is time we have a law that will regulate how we carry out demonstrations in Kenya.”
The Assembly and Demonstration Bill requires those organising protests to give 3-14 days notice to the police. The organisers must include their government name, address, the protest date and time, the location and route, number of expected participants, the slogans to be chanted or placards to be displaced.
The regulating officer is given the authority to impose conditions or restrictions necessary to maintain public order, safety or protect rights.
“A person who fails to notify..is liable to a fine not exceeding KSh 100,000 or 12 months in prison,” states the bill.
The bill further states that an organiser bears individual responsibility for any loss or damage caused to property during the demonstrations.
