In a surprising turn of events, Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku has announced the withdrawal of a highly contentious bill aimed at tightening regulations on public demonstrations across Kenya.
The proposed legislation, known as the Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024, has sparked widespread criticism and heated protests since its introduction last year.
The bill, championed by Ruku of the Democratic Party (DP), aimed to grant extensive powers to law enforcement authorities to curb demonstrations deemed disruptive to public order.
Among its provisions were stringent penalties, including fines of up to 100,000 Kenyan shillings and potential jail terms for violators.
It also mandated rigorous pre-event notification requirements, which many viewed as overly restrictive on the constitutionally guaranteed right to peaceful assembly.
Initially touted as a measure to regulate public gatherings in accordance with Article 37 of Kenya's constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble peacefully, the bill quickly became a lightning rod for criticism.
Critics argued that it undermined fundamental freedoms and gave excessive authority to law enforcement agencies.
"The proposed legislation threatened to stifle dissent and impose undue restrictions on our democratic rights," remarked one protest organizer who preferred to remain anonymous. "It would have made it nearly impossible for ordinary citizens to express grievances without fear of reprisal."
The backlash against the bill intensified in recent weeks amid escalating protests against government policies, originally sparked by opposition to a controversial finance bill but quickly evolving into broader anti-government demonstrations.
Protesters took to the streets nationwide, demanding the bill's withdrawal and condemning what they saw as attempts to silence dissent.
Responding to mounting pressure, Ruku issued a statement via social media announcing his decision to withdraw the bill.
"I have listened to the concerns raised by Kenyans, and in light of their feedback, I will be formally requesting the Speaker of the National Assembly to withdraw the Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024," Ruku stated.
The move to withdraw the bill marks a significant victory for civil liberties advocates and demonstrators who rallied against what they viewed as a potential erosion of constitutional rights.
