Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura / HANDOUT
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has said it is time
Parliament comes up with legislation to ensure an enabling environment and a public space where Kenyans
can picket freely.
This follows a wave of violent protests witnessed in Nairobi
Central Business District over the death of social media influencer and teacher
Albert Ojwang.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mwaura said the designation of
a public place for picketing will ensure normal business as protests go on.
“To this end, Parliament is encouraged to put in place an
enabling legislation that safeguards the right to picket in a peaceful manner by designating public spaces for such endeavours, while ensuring that other
citizens can go about their lawful business without obstruction,” he said.
“This is how a mature democracy balances rights with responsibilities.”
This is even as the government calls for sobriety, calm and
restraint in the light of recent events involving confrontations between the
police and members of the public.
He said Kenya is guided by the Constitution, which enshrines
the right to peaceful assembly and expression; however, the rights must be
exercised responsibly.
“The Government has noted with concern an incident in which
a police officer is alleged to have shot a civilian. We are encouraged to
report that our fellow citizen is recuperating well in the hospital. Such actions
are unacceptable, and the Government is committed to thorough investigations by
the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). Justice must be served, and
accountability will be pursued as per the provisions of the law,” Mwaura said.
He condemned acts by groups of people who resort to unlawful
behaviour by provoking police officers: insulting them, damaging property, and
disrupting businesses.
These actions, he said, do not reflect the spirit of genuine
protest and only serve to inflame passion and endanger the lives of both the
civilians and the police.
“Let us be clear: violence from any side is unacceptable.
Our democracy gives room for dissent, but not disorder, and disobedience. We
must resist the temptation to respond to wrongs with further wrongs.”
The Spokesman urged all citizens to remain calm and allow
the relevant institutions: IPOA, the judiciary, and Parliament, to conduct
their investigations independently and impartially.
The government called upon political, civil Society and
community leaders to promote peace, understanding and open dialogue.
He cautioned political detractors against exploiting the
situation for incitement and/or political mileage, saying that at such a time, settling
political scores at the expense of public peace is not only irresponsible but
also dangerous.
“True leadership demands responsibility and commitment to God
and country.”
Mwaura further called on Kenyans to protect the hard-won
gains of the republic by rising above division and recommit to the values that
bind the country together as one nation under God in the true spirit of
nationhood and patriotism.