Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has endorsed peaceful protests by Kenyans scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 25, terming them a constitutional right.
Odinga, who spoke on Tuesday afternoon during a groundbreaking ceremony in Mombasa County, noted that Article 37 of the Constitution granted every Kenyan the right to assemble and picket without police interference.
However, Raila called on the youth to first seek permission from the law enforcement officers before commencing their demonstrations, adding that it was the only assurance for peaceful protests.
"Article 37 of the Constitution says that every Kenyan has the right to peacefully picket, demonstrate and present petitions to public authorities. So if people want to demonstrate, they must submit a formal request to the police," Odinga stated.
According to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, police approval would make the demonstrations not only peaceful but also impactful.
In his speech, the former Prime Minister urged the police and the protesters to agree on the designated points of demonstrations and the duration of the protests.
"Those who want to engage in protests must first inform the government and explain their intention of holding the protests. They must state the date and the duration of the demonstrations," Raila explained.
"This is what happens in all the nations across the world. The other day, you saw protests in Iran, London, Paris, India and even in America; they first informed the police," he added.
While addressing the matter, Odinga criticised the government for allegedly attempting to stop tomorrow's demonstrations, stating that it was not the best way to handle the issue.
His sentiments come in the background of the planned protests by Kenyans set for tomorrow to mark one year since the historic anti-government demonstrations that resulted in the breaching of Parliament, which saw tens of youths lose their lives.
The nationwide protests are expected to commence in the morning hours, with protesters set to conduct coordinated marches in major towns in honour of those who died on the same date last year.
Nonetheless, the government on Monday, June 23, downplayed the matter, stating that there would be no demonstrations on June 25, sentiments that have sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans.
"There will be no demonstrations on June 25. Anyone wishing to mark the day is free to do so at home," the Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, said.
