Jubilee MP Wants Gov't to Create Designated Demonstrations Areas

Ruiru MP Simon Ng'ang'a wants the government to set aside special zones where Kenyans willing to stage peaceful demonstrations can converge and push for their grievances.

In a privately sponsored Motion tabled before the National Assembly, the MP argued that the move would allow demonstrators to fully enjoy their rights to picket as stipulated by the constitution without infringing on other people's rights.

“Noting that demonstrating and picketing in the cities and major towns in the country has many occasions resulted in destruction, loss of lives, property and public disorder leading to the creation of a very unfavourable business environment. This House resolves that this government should designate specific areas and streets for picketing and demonstrations,” he said.

Ng'ang'a further noted that, by designating the special areas, frequent running battles between protesters and police, destruction of property, looting and loss of life's during demos would be a thing of the past.

“Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to peacefully and unarmed to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and present petitions to public authorities; noting that there is need to guarantee the enjoyment of rights and fundamental freedoms by any individual should not prejudice the rights and fundamental freedoms of another,” read the Motion in part.

The motion comes at a time when protests called by opposition National Super Alliance were marred by destruction of property, looting, loss of lives and violent confrontations.