A potential clash is imminent on Tuesday, June 18, as police have declared their intention to prevent a planned protest opposing the Finance Bill 2024.
The organizers of the protest, named ‘Occupy Parliament,’ assert that they have fulfilled all necessary requirements for a peaceful march. However, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei has dismissed any notion of permitting protests in Nairobi, labeling them illegal.
Bungei clarified that no application for a gathering or picketing permit was submitted as expected, deeming the protest unauthorized and prohibited.
He cited a ‘faulty’ document from June of the previous year, which fails to meet the criteria for protest permission.
“The notification they left at Central is dated June 17, 2023. It is faulty. We can’t allow them. No demonstration.”
“Kenyans should be allowed to do their business and those with grievances should direct them where they know well.”
Police have intensified preparations to swiftly disperse any gathering, as activists led by Boniface Mwangi have detailed plans for the protest dubbed ‘Occupy Parliament’ against the Finance Bill 2024.
In anticipation of the protest, police have warned of potential disruption of traffic near the Parliament Building on Tuesday, June 18. This preemptive measure is part of broader efforts to contain the planned demonstration.
Additionally, more anti-riot teams have been mobilized and are poised for deployment starting from mid-day, as per police directives to prevent the protest from gaining momentum.
Amidst these developments, top police commanders have convened separate meetings to strategize on handling the situation effectively. While concerns persist that the protesters may impede access to Parliament, Mwangi has refuted these claims, affirming that the protest will remain peaceful to convey their message to legislators. Recognizing the likelihood of police intervention, protest organizers have advised participants to be prepared for potential confrontations.
“Carry placard, handkerchief and bottle of water,” the poster reads.
Protesters often arm themselves with bottles of water and handkerchiefs in anticipation should teargas be lobbed at them.
The organizers of the peaceful protest say people should start gathering from 12pm.
“We shall gather to keep vigil as members of Parliament vote at 2.30 pm. IG Koome to provide police to protect us as he respects Article 37 of the Constitution: The right to protest and picket.”
While unveiling the Sh3.92 trillion 2024-25 Budget estimates in Parliament on Thursday, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u outlined several tax measures the government wants to pursue to raise Sh2.92 trillion locally.
