Parliament Approves KDF Deployment in Response to Violent Demonstrations

The Kenyan parliament has approved the dispatch of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel within the country to restore order.

This decision comes after a motion proposed by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah was endorsed by the House. The move was preceded by an official announcement from Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale who issued a gazette notice authorizing the KDF deployment. The primary objective of this military intervention is to support the Kenya Police Service in reestablishing normalcy across the nation. This action is deemed necessary in the wake of Tuesday's anti-Finance Bill protests.

Duale's decision to deploy the military is grounded in Article 241 (3) (b) of Kenya's constitution. The Defence CS cited the ongoing violent demonstrations in various parts of the country which have resulted in the destruction and compromise of critical infrastructure, creating a security emergency that necessitated military intervention. Following the gazette notice, military officers have been dispatched to all protected areas throughout Kenya. The presence of these forces has been noted in several key locations, including along the main road leading to the President's official residence in Nakuru.

"The Kenya Defence Forces is deployed on the 25th June, 2024 in support of the National Police Service in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests in various parts of the Republic of Kenya resulting in destruction and broaching of critical infrastructure," the gazette notice reads.

Additionally, military personnel were observed near the late Jomo Kenyatta's memorial which is situated adjacent to the parliament building. The protests have had a direct impact on these protected zones. Some demonstrators managed to breach security barriers at the parliament, causing disruptions and damaging property. Notable among the affected areas was the perimeter wall of the mausoleum. It is important to note that these sites are designated as protected zones, where public access is restricted without proper authorization, in accordance with Kenyan law.