A Kenyan court has suspended a police ban on protests in Nairobi, stating that citizens have a right to demonstrate peacefully. Before the court’s decision, police had imposed an indefinite ban on protests in the capital, citing a lack of leadership to ensure peaceful demonstrations. The court issued a conservatory order to prevent the ban from being enforced, pending a final ruling on the case.
The decision comes amid ongoing antigovernment demonstrations in Kenya, sparked initially by protests against a controversial finance bill proposing higher taxes. The protests have led to at least 50 deaths since they began in June. President William Ruto recently refused to sign the finance bill, which was passed by parliament amidst chaos as protesters stormed the building.
In response to demands by protesters, the president dismissed almost his entire Cabinet and the attorney general. Businesses in Nairobi have closed in anticipation of planned protests, with heavy police deployment in the central business district. The government has estimated economic losses of 6 billion Kenyan shillings ($45 million) due to the protests.
Police have faced accusations of brutality against protesters, leading to the resignation of the former inspector general of police. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has forwarded cases of police brutality to the director of public prosecutions for further action. The situation remains tense in Kenya as citizens continue to demand better governance and accountability from their leaders.
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