National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has warned Kenyans against turning peaceful protests into violence.

Speaking during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme in Kabuchoi, Aldai Constituency, on Friday, July 18, 2025, reaffirmed the importance of peaceful civic expression, citing Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and petition.

He emphasised that this fundamental right must be exercised with caution and respect for the rule of law.

Wetang’ula further expressed concern that what often begins as peaceful assemblies can quickly spiral into violence.

“Article 37 of our Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to petition. It is a cherished freedom, one we must protect. But as with all rights, this freedom comes with responsibility,” he said.

“Unfortunately, over the years, we have witnessed this right being grossly abused. What begins as a peaceful protest often descends into violence. We have seen lives lost, properties destroyed, police stations burnt down, and many of our young people left with permanent injuries, in the name of demonstrations.”

He clarified that constitutional protection of protest does not extend to acts of looting, arson, maiming, or killing, which amount to criminal behaviour. To stem this trend, he called for a legislative review aimed at closing loopholes that have allowed violent disruptions to cloak themselves as protests.

Accountability

Citing international precedents, such as the United Kingdom, where protest organisers are legally accountable for violence under their watch, Wetang’ula argued that Kenya must adopt similar mechanisms.

“Our Constitution gives the right to protest, not the license to loot, to burn, to maim, or to kill. That is not civic expression. That is criminality. We need a legislative review, to address loopholes that have allowed violent disruptions to hide behind the veil of lawful protest,” he stated.

“In other jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, protest organisers are held personally accountable for the destruction that occurs under their watch. This is not to curtail freedoms, but to ensure that freedoms are exercised with responsibility. Kenya, too, must hold to that standard.”

He also condemned political hypocrisy, calling out leaders who incite unrest at home while their families remain abroad.

“Equally, we must call out the hypocrisy that fuels disorder. It is disingenuous for leaders to incite unrest at home while their own families live safely abroad. Our people deserve unity, not theatrics. They deserve solutions, not exported grievances. And our nation deserves respect, both within and beyond our borders,” Wetang’ula added.

“I call upon Kenyans to uphold peace, respect, and the rule of law.”

Today in Kabuchoi, Aldai Constituency, during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme, I addressed a matter that continues to weigh heavily on our national conscience: the conduct of public demonstrations in our country.

Article 37 of our Constitution guarantees every Kenyan… pic.twitter.com/3ymgHqcIBp

— Rt.Hon.Dr.Moses Wetang'ula (@HonWetangula) July 18, 2025