KNCHR calls for curb on protests near Parliament, State House and Judiciary

The chairperson of Kenya's National Commission on Human Rights, Claris Ogangah, has advocated for new regulations to limit protests near key government and judicial institutions, such as Parliament, State House, and the Judiciary. Ogangah argued that the proposed rules should outline where protests can occur, when they can be held, and which institutions must be protected from direct protest action.

She suggested considering the proposal through public debate before any legislation. Ogangah emphasized that Parliament, the Judiciary, and State House are considered national security sites and should be shielded from demonstrations due to their sensitive nature. She referenced international practices where such institutions are off-limits to protesters.

The call for stricter regulations on protests comes in the wake of the June 25, 2024, anti-Finance Bill demonstrations that turned violent, resulting in numerous deaths, injuries, arrests, and property damage. Ogangah highlighted that Kenya could learn from other countries' methods of regulating demonstrations, noting that such restrictions are not unique to the country.

She stressed that any proposed limitations should be decided through public participation to avoid undermining the constitutional right to peaceful protest.