Kenyan Court Suspends Police Ban on Protests

A Kenyan court has suspended a police ban on protests in Nairobi, affirming citizens' right to peaceful demonstration. This decision came before a protest demanding the president's resignation amidst poor governance and a controversial finance bill. The police cited difficulties in enforcing safety protocols due to lack of leadership. Over 50 people have died in the protests, which have resulted in significant economic losses.

A Kenyan court has temporarily lifted a police ban on protests in Nairobi, upholding the citizens' right to peaceful assembly.

Before the ruling, police had indefinitely barred demonstrations in the capital, citing the absence of leadership to ensure peaceful protests.

The court's decision came ahead of a planned protest aimed at calling for the president's resignation over issues of poor governance.

Acting police inspector general Douglas Kanja stated that the lack of organized leadership made it challenging to enforce safety protocols. Recent protests have led to looting, burning, and business losses.

Although no protesters were seen on Thursday, police had barricaded major roads leading to the president's office.

Kenya has experienced a month of unrest linked to a proposed finance bill advocating for higher taxes amidst a cost-of-living crisis and growing public debt.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 50 people have died since the protests began on June 18.

President William Ruto announced he would not sign the finance bill passed on June 25, following the storming and partial burning of the parliamentary building by protesters, which also led to the dismissal of several cabinet members.

The US Embassy in Nairobi has urged Kenyan police to safeguard the right to peaceful demonstration and encouraged continued efforts towards national unity and reconciliation.

Businesses in Nairobi have remained mostly closed in anticipation of protests, with police patrolling the central business district.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that the ongoing protests have cost the economy approximately 6 billion Kenyan shillings ($45 million).

Police have faced accusations of brutality, with former inspector general Japhet Koome resigning after calls from protesters to take responsibility for shootings.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has forwarded four out of ten cases of police brutality to the director of public prosecutions for further action.

Kenyan police officers are also involved in a UN-backed mission in Haiti to combat gang violence.