Youth-led demonstrations dubbed a “total shutdown” brought business to a standstill not only in Nairobi but also in various cities across the country.
Contingents of heavily armed anti-riot police have been deployed at various parts of the Nairobi CBD, the epicenter of the protests.
On Monday the government warned Kenyans who are planning to protest today against any form of violence and destruction of property. According to the reports given by Mr. Kindiki, the police are going to do their job. Kindiki has also called upon Kenyans to make sure they maintain peace during this protest against the proposed 2024 finance bill.
Various rights groups led by amnesty International and the law Society of Kenya (LSK) have strongly criticized potential internet and mass media disruptions in a joint statement on 24th June the organizations pointed out that such disruptions could heighten national uncertainty and violate fundamental human rights. They underscored the crucial role of the internet and mass media in safeguarding the publics right to information and freedom of expression.
The groups further argued that shutting down or limiting internet access, suppressing hashtag (#RejectFinanceBill2024) or imposing bans on live media coverage would constitute a severe infringement of basic human rights. “Disrupting mass communication will choke the timely deployment of emergency medical services and hinder the tracing of missing persons,” the statement warned.
The government is urged to recognize the vital role of the internet and mass media in policy discussions and refrain from any form of internet shutdown or media interference. “we urge the government of Kenya and the Communication Authority to affirm that the people of Kenya can access an open, reliable, secure and free internet and a free press at this critical time,” the groups emphasized.
Furthermore, the organizations appealed to social media platforms to resist any attempts by the government to block or restrict access during the protests asserting that censorship and limitations on social and mass media would be illegal and counterproductive.
Todays protest are the second phase of Occupy Parliament demonstrations coinciding with the National Assembly’s vote on the contentious Finance Bill, 2024, in its third reading.
