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Natianal Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula speaking on Friday, July 19, 2025, in Kabuchoi, Aldai Constituency, during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme. PHOTO/@HonWetangula/X

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for a legislative review to curb violent protests in Kenya, saying the country can no longer afford to watch demonstrations turn into deadly and destructive events.

Speaking on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Kabuchoi, Aldai Constituency, during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme, Wetang’ula said while Kenyans have the right to protest, that freedom is increasingly being misused.

“Today in Kabuchoi, Aldai Constituency, during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme, I addressed a matter that continues to weigh heavily on our national conscience: the conduct of public demonstrations in our country,” Wetang’ula said.

He reminded Kenyans that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and petition the government. However, he noted that the right comes with responsibility.

“It is a cherished freedom, one we must protect. But as with all rights, this freedom comes with responsibility. Unfortunately, over the years, we have witnessed this right being grossly abused,” he said.

Wetang’ula pointed out that protests in Kenya often start peacefully but quickly turn violent, leaving behind a trail of destruction and loss of life.

“We have seen lives lost, properties destroyed, police stations burnt down, and many of our young people left with permanent injuries in the name of demonstrations,” he said.

Adding;

“Our Constitution gives the right to protest, not the license to loot, to burn, to maim, or to kill. That is not civic expression. That is criminality. We need a legislative review to address loopholes that have allowed violent disruptions to hide behind the veil of lawful protest.”

Wetang’ula now wants Parliament to urgently review existing laws to close the gaps that allow criminal elements to exploit public protests.

“We cannot sit and watch our country burn every time people go to the streets. This is a national crisis, and we must act,” he said.

Aftermath

His remarks come weeks after Kenya was rocked by deadly protests that began on June 25, 2025. The unrest was sparked by growing public anger over police brutality and the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. Though the demonstrations started peacefully, they quickly spiralled out of control.

At least 19 people lost their lives in the first wave of protests, while dozens were injured. Shops, supermarkets, and businesses in areas like Githurai, Thika Road, and Outer Ring Road were looted and vandalised. Small traders bore the brunt of the destruction, with millions worth of property destroyed or stolen.

The situation worsened during the Saba Saba protests on July 7, an annual event held to commemorate Kenya’s push for democracy. This year’s demonstrations turned deadly, with at least 31 people killed, hundreds injured, and nearly 1,500 arrested.

In some areas, police responded with force, using live bullets and tear gas on protesters, many of whom were unarmed. There were also reports of armed gangs hijacking the protests, torching police stations and looting government and private property.

At least 16 police stations were burnt down, and several officers were injured in the chaos. Authorities claimed the violence was organised and not just spontaneous outrage.

The economic toll of the unrest was significant. Businesses lost millions, and fear gripped the streets as normal life came to a standstill in affected areas.

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