Aasai

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has raised serious concerns about the rising misuse of the right to protest in Kenya. He emphasized that while the Constitution of Kenya grants citizens the freedom to demonstrate and assemble, this right has often been hijacked by violent elements. Speaking at the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme held in Kabuchoi, he insisted that public protests must be peaceful and law-abiding, not avenues for destruction and bloodshed.

Wetang’ula noted with alarm the growing trend where protests escalate into riots, leading to the looting of businesses, burning of property, and, in some instances, loss of lives. He made it clear that such actions go beyond constitutional liberties and constitute outright criminality. “The Constitution guarantees the right to protest, but it doesn’t give anyone the license to loot, rape, or kill,” he said, stressing that any society that tolerates lawlessness risks descending into chaos.

Drawing comparisons with international practices, Wetang’ula recommended adopting laws similar to those used in the United Kingdom. There, protest organizers are held legally accountable if demonstrations turn violent or cause destruction. He urged Kenyan lawmakers to seriously consider this model, stating that leaders who incite youths to cause havoc while sending their own children to study abroad must be held responsible for the consequences of their actions.

In his address, the Speaker called upon Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and fellow legislators to initiate urgent reforms to protest laws. He pointed out that it has been 15 years since the 2010 Constitution was enacted, and yet legal loopholes still allow opportunists to incite violence under the pretense of peaceful demonstrations. These reforms, he argued, are necessary to ensure that freedom comes with responsibility and consequences.

Wetang’ula’s remarks were made against the backdrop of increased political tensions in the country, especially after the violent Saba Saba protests. He also criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of taking Kenya’s political toxicity to the international stage. According to Wetang’ula, Gachagua had been sowing division abroad, particularly among the Kenyan diaspora in the United States.

He questioned Gachagua’s intentions, saying that he was inciting chaos back home only to flee and divide communities abroad. “He’s talking to Americans who don’t even know Kenyan tribes. He no longer represents anyone,” Wetang’ula said, urging Kenyans to shun leaders who spread hatred and discord. He further described Gachagua as disrespectful, even to ordinary leaders, and called for a return to mutual respect and peace in national politics.

The Speaker was flanked by top Kenya Kwanza leaders, including Majority Leader Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro, and several MPs from various counties. Ichung’wah strongly supported Wetang’ula’s stance and issued a stern warning to all individuals behind recent violent protests. He said that everyone, regardless of their status, would be held accountable, even if they were Members of Parliament.

His warning was especially pointed toward Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, who was recently arrested over her alleged involvement in the protests. Although Kihara has denied the allegations through her legal team, Ichung’wah dismissed these claims as excuses. He made it clear that no amount of political protection or sympathy would shield those who incited youths to loot, burn police stations, or damage public property.

Ichung’wah concluded by urging residents of Rift Valley to reject any calls for tribal violence. He reminded Kenyans of the tragic consequences of the 2007/08 post-election violence and stressed that history must not be allowed to repeat itself. He called for unity, accountability, and peace, regardless of political affiliation.