Wetang’ula calls for legal reforms on protests, accuses Gachagua of fueling unrest

Speaking on Friday during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme in Kabuchoi, Nandi County, Wetang’ula condemned the recent wave of violent protests across the country that resulted in deaths, injuries, and widespread destruction of property.

“The Constitution guarantees the right to assemble and protest,” said Wetang’ula. “But it does not give anyone the license to riot, loot, burn property, rape, maim, or kill. That is lawlessness, and no society should tolerate it.”

While acknowledging that Article 37 of the Constitution protects the freedoms of assembly and protest, Wetang’ula stressed that the right is not absolute and must be exercised peacefully and unarmed. He urged Parliament to initiate a legislative review—15 years after the 2010 Constitution—to address gaps that have allowed violence to flourish under the pretext of protest.

He cited legal models such as that of the United Kingdom, where protest organizers can be held personally liable for damages caused during demonstrations. “Freedom must come with responsibility,” he added.

The Speaker also took aim at impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of inciting unrest in Kenya while seeking refuge abroad. “He is exporting Kenya’s political toxicity to the United States,” Wetang’ula claimed, branding Gachagua a national security threat. “That man represents no one and disrespects even the most basic leaders. We must reject divisive politics.”

Wetang’ula was accompanied by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro, Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, and MPs including Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), Dick Maungu (Luanda), John Waluke (Sirisia), and Kakai Bisai (Kiminini).

Ichung’wah echoed the Speaker’s sentiments, vowing that those behind the Saba Saba protests would face justice regardless of their political status.

“Whether you’re an MP or not—if you sponsored those riots, you will be held accountable. No one is above the law,” he declared, in a thinly veiled reference to Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, who was recently arrested in connection to the demonstrations.

He also urged Rift Valley residents to remember the painful lessons of the 2007/08 post-election violence and resist any efforts to incite ethnic divisions.