Azimio responds to CS Kindiki guidelines, vows to monitor police actions during Tuesday’s protests

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition leaders have dismissed guidelines issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki terming them as a plot to intimidate protesters ahead of Tuesday, June 25, 2024, nationwide match against Finance Bill 2024.

In a statement, Azimio led by the Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, castigated the Interior CS for quoting the Public Order Act standards to limit the rights of protesters.

However, Azimio insisted that Kindiki's orders should not be used to violate the constitution.

"Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party stands in solidarity with Gen Z demonstrators and Kenyans who peacefully exercised their constitutionally protected rights to assembly, demonstration, picketing, and petition under Article 37 of our Constitution.

"We are concerned to see that Mr. Kindiki is citing the antiquated Public Order Act standards, which do not trump our Constitution. Instead, they are an obvious attempt to intimidate and frighten Kenyans who want to use their constitutional rights to the fullest extent possible. Any act or law that violates the Constitution is unconstitutional to the degree of the violation," Azimio stated.

Kindiki had issued strict guidelines to protesters on Monday, June 24, 2024. The CS indicated that all protests must end by 6:30 pm.

The Interior Cabinet Secretary also warned protesters against provoking and destroying infrastructure during the demos. Additionally, he directed the protesters to brief the police officers on their plans and expected routes.

Azimio to monitor police behaviour

Azimio leaders fronted by Kalonzo who is angling to succeed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, made it clear that it will monitor police behaviour during the protests.

The opposition party asserted that it would hold responsible any law enforcement officers who would violate the rights of peaceful assembly.

"The protests have been nonviolent, and any police officer who tries to break up the protests will be held accountable for their actions on an individual basis."

Azimio lauds MPs

At the same time, the Azimio Principals lauded its Members of Parliament for withdrawing amendments to the Finance Bill 2024 which was tabled in the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

This is after 204 MPs voted in support of the Bill making it sail through to the Second Reading stage.

"We also support our Members in the National Assembly and their colleagues who have withdrawn amendments and any more discussion on the harsh Finance Bill, 2024. We stress again that the offending Bill has to be withdrawn in totality before any dialogue is considered."

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