High Court Suspends Police Move to Ban Protests in Nairobi CBD
In a landmark decision, the High Court has suspended the police’s recent directive to ban protests within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). The ruling, delivered earlier today, has been hailed as a significant victory for civil rights and the rule of law in Kenya.
Justice Mary Kasango, who presided over the case, stated in her ruling, “The right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right enshrined in our Constitution. Any action to curtail this right must be justified and proportionate. The police directive to ban protests within the Nairobi CBD fails to meet this standard and is hereby suspended.”
The case was brought before the court by a coalition of human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission. These groups argued that the police directive was an overreach of authority and a blatant violation of the constitutional rights of Kenyan citizens.
“Today’s ruling is a victory for all Kenyans,” said Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya. “The ability to peacefully protest is a cornerstone of any democratic society. We are pleased that the High Court has reaffirmed this principle and stood up against attempts to undermine it.”
In her ruling, Justice Kasango emphasized the importance of balancing security concerns with civil liberties. “While the state has a duty to maintain order and security, this cannot be achieved by suppressing lawful and peaceful expressions of dissent. It is imperative that the police work within the bounds of the law and respect the rights of citizens,” she said.
The suspension of the ban comes amid heightened political tensions and increasing public dissatisfaction with various government policies. Recent protests have seen thousands of Kenyans take to the streets, voicing their concerns over issues ranging from economic hardship to allegations of corruption.
With this ruling, the High Court has set a clear precedent that any attempts to infringe upon the rights to assembly and protest must be scrutinized and held to the highest standards of justification. The case will continue to be monitored closely as it progresses through the judicial system, and it remains to be seen how the police will respond to this significant legal setback.
