Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku has made a U-turn and vowed to withdraw his controversial bill on regulation of demonstrations.
The MP said on Thursday that he had listened to the people who he said are not interested in having protests regulated by any law.
Ruku, a Democratic Party MP, said he would be writing to the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to formally withdraw the proposed legislation.
“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,” Ruku posted on his X account.
The Bill was proposed to reportedly tighten regulations on public demonstrations across Kenya.
The Bill sought to grant extensive powers to law enforcement authorities to curb protests deemed disruptive to public order.
Among its provisions were stringent penalties, including fines of up to 100,000 Kenyan shillings and potential jail terms for violators.
It also mandated rigorous pre-event notification requirements.
Critics viewed this provision as quite restrictive on the constitutionally guaranteed right to peaceful assembly.
Ruku said the Bill was founded on the need to give effect to Article 37 of the Constitution and to enhance the safety and security of the protestors, non-protestors, and businesses.
“However, I have agreed with the will of Kenyans that the bill be withdrawn,” he said.
“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.”
The Bill has sparked widespread criticism and heated protests since its introduction last year.
