The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has called for police to restrain from using force against peaceful demonstrators.
NCIC chairman Samuel Kobia in a statement on Monday, June 24, 2024, said the demonstrators are clearly protected by the constitution in so far as peaceful demonstration and picketing is concern.
“The Commission further calls upon the government, especially the National Police Service and all other security organs to restrain from using force against peaceful demonstrators who are clearly protected by the constitution in so far as peaceful demonstration and picketing is concern,” the statement reads in part.
Kobia in the statement said NCIC had welcomed the Gen-Z’s decision to participate in addressing national issues by expressing their stand on the Finance Bill 2024 through peaceful demonstrations.
NCIC further urged the Gen-Z to maintain peace and decorum in all their planned demonstrations in the course of this week.
“The NCIC welcomes the Gen-Z’s decision to participate in addressing national issues by expressing their stand on the Finance Bill 2024 through peaceful demonstrations.
“In doing so they are not only expressing their democratic right but are also demonstrating their patriotism and passion for justice. We urge Gen-Z to maintain peace and decorum in all their planned demonstrations in the course of this week and beyond,” NCIC said.
The commission further urged President William Ruto to give an ear to the youthful demonstrators.
According to NCIC, those protesting constitute a large percent of the population.
The commission has told President Ruto that Gen-Zs’ voice is critically important in seeking solutions to national issues including the Finance Bill 2024.
“The NCIC welcomes the assurance of H.E. President William Ruto to listen to what the Gen-Z have to say. These are citizens who constitute a large percent of the population and their voice is critically important in seeking solutions to the national issues including the Finance Bill 2024. We urge all other government leaders to follow President Ruto’s cue and listen to the youth,” NCIC said.
“According to Article 24 (1d) of the Constitution, this right as all other rights is limited by among other things; the need to ensure that the enjoyment of this right does not prejudice the rights and freedoms of others. It follows therefore, that those exercising the Article 37 right to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and present petitions to public authorities peaceably and unarmed,” Kindiki said.
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