Mbeere North Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku has announced the withdrawal of the controversial Assembly and Demonstration Bill 2023.
In a statement via X on Thursday, June 27, Ruku said he would officially write to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to inform him of his decision to withdraw the bill.
“I have heard the voice of Kenyans and therefore decided to withdraw the Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024 (National Assembly Bills No. 28 of 2024). I will officially be writing to the Speaker of the National Assembly to withdraw the Maandamano Bill,” read the statement in part.
The Democratic Party (DP) MP noted that the bill was aimed at enhancing the safety and security of the protestors, non-protestors, and businesses during demonstrations.
Ruku went on to say that Kenyans have rejected the proposed bill and he listened to their grievances to withdraw the bill.
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“Kenyans have said they do not want any explanations. They have said we need to listen to them. If Kenyans say no to Maandamano Bill, we also say no. If Kenyans ask us to jump, we ask them how high we should jump. If they ask us to reason with them, then we reason with them,” Ruku added.
The Kenya Kwanza MP had proposed that conveners of protests be held accountable for any damage arising from demonstrations, and if a person defies the law and goes ahead to convene and participate in an outlawed assembly, the individual is deemed to have defied the Penal Code and is liable to one-year imprisonment.
The bill also proposed to give police officers with ranks above Inspector the authority to stop gatherings and protests from taking place if it can be proven that there would be a danger to the public or a breach of the peace.
Further, it proposed banning the carrying of banners, placards, or even speeches that could be seen as inciting hatred.
