Kenya, July 1 -- Kenyans taking part in protests that are not approved could soon face up to one year in jail or a fine of Sh100,000 because of a new law called the Assembly and Demonstration Bill 2024. This bill has come up again during a time of strong political tension.

The bill was first introduced by Geoffrey Ruku, a former member of parliament, in June 2024. It had been rejected before, but now it is back for discussion.

Many people are worried that this law will limit their right to protest, which is an important part of Kenya's culture, especially among young activists.

The new bill says that those who organize a protest must tell the authorities at least three days and no more than 14 days in advance.

They must include details like who is organizing, the date, time, and where it will happen. Protests are only allowed to take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If someone breaks these rules, they could face tough penalties like fines or jail time, leading to concerns about government control over public protests.

The bill also says that protesters cannot wear masks or anything that hides their faces and that they cannot do anything that might lead to violence. This means stricter rules about gatherings.

Critics, including Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, say this bill goes against Article 37 of Kenya's 2010 Constitution, which gives people the right to gather and protest peacefully.

President William Ruto has talked about this issue and stressed the need for fair laws.

He said, "We will work with the courts, members of parliament, and others. It's time to have clear laws about protests in Kenya. We need to protect the rights of those who want to protest, but we also have to respect the rights of those who don't want to take part."

However, the renewed push for this bill comes after violent protests led by young people against the Finance Bill 2024, which resulted in over 60 deaths and signs of police violence, causing people to distrust the government's intentions.

The reintroduction of this bill, especially after events like the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody, has led to even more public anger.

As Kenya deals with economic problems and young people demand changes in leadership, the Assembly and Demonstration Bill 2024 may increase tensions, with many fearing it will limit their ability to express themselves in a democratic way in the largest economy in East Africa.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.