A Malindi court has issued an order barring police officers from using firearms, water cannons, and tear gas on anti-government protesters. This decision coincides with Generation Z’s plans for additional demonstrations in the coming weeks to advocate for reforms.
On Friday, Justice Mugure Thande temporarily prohibited the use of live ammunition, rubber bullets, and other forms of violence against protesters. This ruling follows a petition filed by Saitabao Ole Kanchory, Raila Odinga’s former chief agent in the last elections.
Judge Thande also issued an order preventing Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and Interior CS Kithure Kindiki from engaging in extrajudicial killings, arrests, abductions, intimidation, torture, or any cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment of protesters.
The ruling comes amid public outrage over the killing, maiming, and abduction of protesters by police officers. Reports indicate that at least 23 people have lost their lives due to direct shootings by the officers. In response, Generation Z has declared Tuesday and Thursday as protest days each week. The protesters are demanding President Ruto’s resignation and significant changes in the country’s political leadership, which they hold responsible for their frustrations.
On social media, user Chris Love posted under the #TuesdayandThursday hashtag, stating, “We Fixing this Nation. Every Tuesday and Thursday. Kenya ni Inchi yetu Wote (Kenya for us all).” Another user commented, “Tuesday and Thursday tuko kwa (we are on the) streets. I think the government of Kenya should be having 4 arms: The People, Executive, Judiciary, and the corrupt Legislature!”
On Tuesday, protesters managed to storm Parliament in a bold and unprecedented move, overwhelming the police. In Malindi, Judge Thande acknowledged that Kanchory had demonstrated that granting the orders sought was in the public interest. Kanchory accused the police of responding with brute force and violence to peaceful protests over the unpopular and now-abandoned Finance Bill, 2024.
Kanchory argued that Generation Z protesters have been peaceful and unarmed during their demonstrations but have faced police brutality. Over the past week, young people have staged nationwide protests against what they view as excessive, inhumane, and insensitive taxes introduced by the Finance Bill, 2024. They have mobilized through social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. Kanchory noted that state interference with internet connectivity in Kenya could hinder this mobilization.
He further told the court that the police have resorted to forceful arrests and illegal abductions, violating the protesters’ right to liberty and other freedoms protected by the constitution.
“The Inspector General of Police has failed to uphold the highest possible standards of professionalism and discipline among the Kenyan police and to foster and promote good relations between the police and the broader society,” Kanchory stated.
Justice Thande directed that the application be served on all parties by July 1 and responses filed by July 15. The case will be mentioned on July 17 for further directions.
In addition to calling for President Ruto’s resignation and the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, which the President has since abandoned, the protesters are demanding sweeping political and financial reforms. They are urging the President to institute radical reforms, including firing corrupt officials from his inner circle. In a new online campaign, agitators are calling for Ruto to dismiss government bureaucrats, including members of his Cabinet, who have integrity issues.
“As Kenyans shifts on Maandamano #Tuesday and #Thursday, it is time for the government to focus and listen to the cry of Kenyans; scrap useless positions like CASs, woman rep, nominated positions etc. Salaries of all MPs, governors and ministers be 500k,” Lawrent Ashono stated.
There have been concerns that powerful individuals close to power have become overnight millionaires, openly displaying opulence, while the masses suffer.
“It’s more than the Finance Bill, it’s the opulence amidst the struggle, it’s the arrogance displayed in the face of economic turmoil,” a Rift Valley businessman posted on X on Thursday.
According to new online postings, critics want Ruto to, among other steps, drop the Chief Administrative Secretary position and change Kenya Kwanza’s leadership in the National Assembly.
They also want the funding scrapped for the First Lady’s office and those of the spouses of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
