Former Chief Justice (CJ) Willy Mutunga has called out President William Ruto over the excessive use of force against protestors, demonstrating over the Finance Bill 2024/2025
In a statement on June 18, the former CJ questioned why the president had deployed police against protestors, yet it was their constitutional mandate to demonstrate and picket.
“Your Excellency, is sending the police to brutalize Kenyans in a constitutionally mandated protest what you mean by “robust public engagement”? Why is your government subverting the Constitution you swore solemnly to uphold, defend, and respect?” said Mutunga.
His remarks came in response to a post by President Ruto where he noted that following a meeting at State House, various amendments have been made to the proposed finance bill after public discontent.
He emphasized that this was how democracies function, with institutions working together to address issues.
“We have had a robust public engagement on the proposed Finance Bill. We have adjusted the document accordingly.”
“We are glad we are having conversations about issues, and our institutions are working. This is how democracies function,” said Ruto.
Also Read: Finance Bill: Govt Drops Contentious Tax Proposals After Pressure
Anti- Finance Bill Protests
The protests, organized by a section of Kenyans against the Finance bill, have seen the arrest of numerous people including influencers and activists.
Additionally, there have also been reports of alleged police brutality as the police engaged protesters in running battles in a bid to restrict them from accessing Parliament Buildings.
As the protests turned chaotic several people have been injured including a Journalist at NTV, who was reportedly hit by a police water cannon along Cardinal Otunda Street.
The Journalist identified as Maureen Mureithi was assisted by her colleagues after the demonstration escalated and some protesters and journalists were arrested.
Also, the situation worsened as police officers began to harass and arrest journalists, including one who was manhandled and dragged away from Parliament’s entry.
The violence led to several injuries, with the exact number of those affected still unclear.
Consequently, the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) has condemned the arrest of journalists and media practitioners, calling for the immediate release of those apprehended and ensuring the freedom of the press.
Besides the former CJ, other notable figures have also come out to condemn the deployment and subsequent arrests.
Also Read: Adamson Bungei Slapped with Demands After Unleashing Police on Protesters
Miguna Miguna Condemns Police Actions
Vocal lawyer Miguna Miguna in a statement, condemned police actions towards the protestors as they were exercising their constitutional mandate to picket.
He outlined that peaceful protests were enshrined in the constitution and was not a courtesy accorded to Kenyan citizens.
“It’s a shame that the Kenya Police chose to assault citizens exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly in Nairobi today.”
“Peaceful protests are entrenched in the constitution. They aren’t privileges granted by the government,” said Miguna.
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