National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah on Wednesday, June 26, tabled a motion to legally ratify the government’s decision to deploy Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers to contain the anti-finance bill protesters.
Ichung’wah tabled the motion during a special sitting organized to discuss the aftermath of the Tuesday protests and the planned recess.
“That, pursuant to Article 241(3)(c) of the Constitution and sections 31(1)(b), 31(1)(c) and 32 of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, Cap. 199, this House accedes to the request of the Defence Council dated 26th June 2024 and, in the interest of national security, approves the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in support of the National Police Service in various parts of the Republic of Kenya affected by ongoing violent protests that have caused destruction to critical infrastructure until normalcy is restored,” read the motion in part.
The National Assembly has approved the deployment to support in tackling the security situation following a wave of protests over the Finance Bill 2024.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale gazetted the deployment of the military to support the police after a section of the anti-finance bill protesters stormed Parliament buildings on Tuesday, June 25.
CS Duale explained that the deployment was necessary to contain the protests and help in restoring normalcy in the country.
“Pursuant to Article 241 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya as read with sections 31 (1) (a), 31 (1) (c), 33 (1), 34 (1) and 34 (2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, (Cap. 199), the KDF is deployed on the 25th June, 2024 in support of the National Police Service in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests in various parts of the Republic of Kenya resulting in destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure,” Duale said.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula convened a special sitting to address the protests and the damage that left Parliament in ruins.
The MPs agreed to commence its short recess from Wednesday, 26th June and resume its regular sittings for the second part of the session on Tuesday, 23rd July 2024.
Also Read: Several Feared Dead in Overnight Shooting Incident in Githurai 45
Kenyans Oppose KDF Deployment
The move attracted huge criticism from a section of Kenyans who argued that the military should be deployed under only two circumstances: in a situation of emergency or disaster, or to restore peace in any part of the country experiencing unrest or instability.
Kenyans on social media accused the state of illegally deploying the KDF, leading to the shooting of innocent unarmed protesters in Githurai 45.
“Constitution of Kenya: Article 241 (2)(c): Kenya Defence Forces may be deployed to restore peace in any part of Kenya affected by unrest or instability only with the approval of the National Assembly,” lawyer Donald Kipkorir said.
Also Read: Several Dead as Police Shoot Protesters Outside Parliament
MP Slams Parliament’s Approval
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo criticized the National Assembly for approving the deployment of KDF without the media, most of the members and a proper debate.
“In a record 30Mins, National Assembly has just made Kenya a military state; authorizing deployment of KDF without indicating where, why or for what period and did so retrospectively contra A 241(3)(c). God Bless Us!” Otiende said.
LSK Sues Duale & National Assembly
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has sued CS Duale and the National Assembly over deployment of KDF following anti-Finance Bill protests.
LSK has urged the court to suspend the decision, pending hearing and determination of the case.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
![KDF](https://thekenyatimes.com/storage/2024/06/IMG-20240625-WA0028-750x375.jpg)
Discussion about this post