Discover how a Kenyan court’s decision to block a police ban on protests marks a significant win for civil rights and freedom. Read more!
After deadly anti-government demonstrations, the Kenyan High Court has temporarily halted the National Police Service’s instruction that prohibits protests in central Nairobi.
While peaceful rallies were initially held in opposition to the Finance Bill, which was ultimately abandoned due to concerns about higher taxes and living costs, Kenyan President William Ruto dismissed most of his cabinet on July 11. Nevertheless, these demonstrations eventually turned violent and led to numerous deaths.
On Wednesday, the acting police chief of Kenya, Douglas Kanja revealed that there would be no allowance for any protests in Nairobi’s central business district and nearby regions “to guarantee public safety.”
A ‘conservatory order’ was granted by Judge Bahati Mwamuye of the Nairobi High Court on Thursday, temporarily halting the enforcement of the ban until a final judgment is made in this case. Another hearing has been scheduled for July 29th by the court.
At the start of the week, protestors against Ruto’s government were subjected to tear gas by law enforcement as they persist in their call for his resignation due to allegations regarding corruption and ineffective governance. This comes after previous demonstrations resulted in protester fatalities.
According to an RT interviewee, the protestors are advocating for putting a halt to government corruption and striving towards purifying Kenya.
Police opened fire after demonstrators stormed parliament on June 25.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), which is funded by the government, unrest has persisted for several weeks and has resulted in a minimum of 50 fatalities.
The KNCHR reported 413 injuries, 682 instances of arbitrary detentions, and 59 abductions or disappearances arising from the protests.
Ruto, who had advocated for the Finance Bill as crucial in obtaining IMF financing and avoiding a debt default, revealed that the government is presently exploring different options such as reducing funding resources allocated to his own office.
