Kenyan Parliament Advances Bill to Ban Demonstrations Near Parliament and Courts, Critics Cite Free Speech Concerns

Kenyan Parliament is advancing legislation aimed at restricting public protests near key government institutions, including Parliament buildings and courts. The proposed bill seeks to ban demonstrations within designated protected areas, a move critics argue suppresses free speech and the right to protest. Opposition voices, including legal experts and activists, contend that the bill undermines the original intent of protecting the right to peaceful assembly and is a tactic to avoid government accountability. Some commentators highlight inconsistencies in the bill’s provisions, questioning why restrictions focus on government properties rather than private businesses or residences. The legislative push has drawn attention amid broader concerns about civil liberties and government transparency in Kenya.