National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has called for urgent legal reforms to address what he termed as rampant abuse of the constitutional right to protest in Kenya. Speaking during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme in Kabuchoi on July 19, Wetang’ula expressed concern over the rise of violent demonstrations that often result in loss of life and destruction of property.
“The Constitution guarantees the right to assemble and protest, but it does not give anyone the license to riot, loot, rape, or kill,” he said. “That is lawlessness, and no society should tolerate it.”
Citing the United Kingdom’s model, Wetang’ula proposed that protest organisers be held personally accountable for any violence or damage that occurs during demonstrations. He urged Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Members of Parliament to spearhead reforms that would strengthen the legal framework, 15 years after the 2010 Constitution was enacted.
The Speaker took a swipe at leaders he accused of inciting violence while shielding their families from its consequences. “When politicians urge our youth to burn and loot while their own children are studying abroad, they must be held accountable,” Wetang’ula said.
His remarks come amid ongoing political tension following violent Saba Saba protests and rising criticism of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Wetang’ula accused Gachagua of “exporting political toxicity” to the Kenyan diaspora in the United States. “He no longer represents anyone in Kenya,” he said. “We must reject divisive leaders.”
Wetang’ula was accompanied by senior Kenya Kwanza leaders including Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro, Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, and several MPs.
Ichung’wah echoed Wetang’ula’s call, warning that those behind the violent protests would face justice, regardless of their political status. He appeared to reference Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, recently arrested over alleged protest involvement.
“Whether you’re an MP or not, if you incited youths to loot or torch property, carry your own cross,” he said. He also cautioned Rift Valley residents against rekindling ethnic tensions, invoking memories of the 2007/08 post-election violence.
