Senator Omtatah Slams UDA MP Over Demonstrations Bill Withdrawal Failure
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah slammed Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku on Tuesday for breaking his promise to withdraw the proposed Assembly and Demonstration Bill.
The contentious Bill seeks to create a legal framework that gives law enforcement the authority to police how demonstrations are conducted.
Ruku announced in an online post on June 27, 2024, that he had listened to Kenyans and would be withdrawing the controversial legislation.
The decision came only two days after Kenyans stormed Parliament while staging protests against the now-withdrawn Finance Bill, 2024.
Hon. Ruku indicated that he would write to the @NAssemblyKE Speaker to withdraw the bill, however it is now undergoing public participation.
— Okiya Omtatah Okoiti (@OkiyaOmtatah) September 3, 2024
Khabusie https://t.co/xT6KPznhT4
The proposed law drew widespread criticism for some questionable provisions, including giving police the authority to crack down on protesters.
It also authorizes police to change the definition of what constitutes an assembly in the context of demonstrations or picketing.
While responding to Kenyans’ concerns about the contentious proposed law, the Kenya Kwanza-allied MP defended his bill, explaining that it was intended to ensure the safety and security of businesses, non-protesters, and protestors during demonstrations.
“I have heard the voice of Kenyans and therefore decided to withdraw the Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024 (National Assembly Bills No. 28 of 2024),” the MP posted at the time.
“I will officially be writing to the Speaker of the National Assembly to withdraw the Maandamano Bill.”
One Kenyan on X confronted him about the necessity of the Bill, to which he simply brushed it off and confirmed it would be removed.
“Kenyans have said they do not want any explanations. They have said we need to listen to them,” he said.
“If Kenyans say No to Maandamano Bill, we also say No. If Kenyans ask us to jump, we ask them how high we should jump. If they ask us to reason with them, then we reason with them.”
However, weeks later, the proposed law has not been withdrawn, and there is widespread speculation that it will be presented on the floor in due course.
Omtatah, in a post, called out Ruku for making a promise he never kept.
“Hon. Ruku indicated that he would write to the National Assembly Speaker to withdraw the bill, however, it is now undergoing public participation. Khabusie,” Omtatah posted.
Ruku’s bill proposed a Ksh100,000 fine for those who violated the proposed provision.
Senator Omtatah Slams UDA MP Over Demonstrations Bill Withdrawal Failure
