Operation Linda Jamii has petitioned the court for police assistance to facilitate peaceful protests at State House, Nairobi, and various State Lodges.
The petitioner has informed the Inspector General of Police about the nationwide march scheduled for Tuesday, July 30. The march aims to deliver petitions to key government premises. The processions will involve Linda Jamii members and supportive Kenyans.
Linda Jamii highlighted the need for police restraint, citing past instances where peaceful protesters faced violence, intimidation, and unlawful detentions. The petition accuses the Kenya Kwanza regime of misusing police forces to suppress dissent, contravening the 2010 Constitution's principles. The group emphasized the nation's decline into a police state, with increasing cases of enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings.
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The preamble of the 2010 Constitution envisions a government founded on human rights, equality, freedom, democracy, social justice, and the rule of law. However, Linda Jamii argues that these values are under threat due to the current regime's actions against peaceful protests.
During a similar march on June 27, heavy police and military presence blocked all access to the State House. The Protected Areas Act designates State House and State Lodges as protected areas, penalizing unauthorized access with imprisonment or fines. Despite these restrictions, Linda Jamii continues to push for peaceful demonstrations to uphold constitutional rights and express public discontent.
This petition underscores the ongoing struggle for democratic freedoms and the rule of law in Kenya. It highlights the tension between state security measures and the right to peaceful protest. The court's decision will be crucial in determining the balance between maintaining order and respecting citizens' rights to express their grievances peacefully.
