Azimio Slams Kindiki Directive as Attempt to Intimidate Protesters The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition has vehemently condemned the directive issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, which prohibits all demonstrations and public gatherings within the central business districts of major cities. In a statement, Azimio officials asserted that the directive was an affront to the fundamental rights of Kenyans to assemble and protest peacefully. They argued that the government was attempting to silence dissent and suppress legitimate grievances. “This directive is nothing but a cowardly attempt to intimidate and silence Kenyans who have the right to hold the government accountable,” said Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, a key member of the Azimio coalition. The statement added that the directive would have a chilling effect on the exercise of democratic rights and foster an environment of fear and intimidation. It further accused the government of disobeying court orders that had previously upheld the right to assemble peacefully. “We remind the government that its primary responsibility is to protect the rights of all citizens, including their right to protest,” the statement read. The Azimio coalition urged its supporters to remain steadfast and continue to demand accountability and transparency from the government. They vowed to challenge the directive in court and mobilize Kenyans to defend their constitutional rights. The directive, which came into effect on Tuesday, prohibits any protests or public gatherings within a 600-meter radius of the central business districts of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret. It was issued in response to recent protests over disputed election results and rising economic hardships. Civil society organizations and human rights groups have also condemned the directive, calling it a violation of the Constitution and an attempt to stifle dissent. They have vowed to continue defending the rights of Kenyans to assemble and express their views peacefully.The Azimio coalition has condemned the Interior Minister, CS Kithure Kindiki, for issuing guidelines ahead of Tuesday’s nationwide protests. The Wiper leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, called Kindiki’s move “ingenious” and accused him of attempting to intimidate protesters.The Azimio coalition has condemned the Interior Minister, CS Kithure Kindiki, for issuing guidelines ahead of Tuesday’s nationwide protests. The Wiper leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, called Kindiki’s move “ingenious” and accused him of attempting to intimidate protesters. Kindiki’s guidelines include instructions for protesters to announce their routes and timings to the police, remain peaceful and unarmed, and avoid engaging in violence or riots. He also stated that protests must not disturb public peace and that protesters should not intimidate or harass non-participants. Kalonzo claims Kindiki’s guidelines violate the Constitution and are an attempt to suppress citizens’ right to assemble and demonstrate. He said Azimio will monitor police behavior during the protests and hold any officers responsible for misconduct. Kindiki, however, has defended his directives, stating that they are in line with the Protected Areas Act and the Public Order Act. He emphasized the importance of maintaining rule of law and public order during protests. The upcoming protests are a response to the Finance Bill 2024, which protesters believe will burden citizens with increased taxes. Previous protests by the youth have been mostly peaceful, and Kalonzo has urged police to refrain from using excessive force against protesters.Azimio la Umoja One Kenya has condemned the directive by Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kindiki Kithure to security forces to use all means necessary to quell protests, terming it an attempt to intimidate and silence dissent. The coalition, in a statement, said the directive violates the constitutional rights of Kenyans to assemble and petition their government. “This directive is a clear attempt to intimidate and silence dissent. It is a violation of the constitutional rights of Kenyans to assemble and petition their government,” the statement read. Azimio further accused Prof. Kindiki of using the directive to suppress legitimate protests against the high cost of living and other grievances facing Kenyans. “Prof. Kindiki’s directive is a clear indication that the government is not interested in addressing the concerns of Kenyans. Instead, they are more interested in silencing anyone who dares to speak out,” the statement added. The coalition has called on Kenyans to resist the intimidation and continue to exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully. “We urge Kenyans to resist this intimidation and continue to exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully. We will not be silenced,” the statement concluded. However, the government has defended the directive, saying it is necessary to maintain law and order. Spokesperson Col. (rtd) Cyrus Oguna said the directive does not violate the rights of Kenyans but rather seeks to protect them. “The directive by the Interior CS is not intended to violate the rights of Kenyans but rather to protect them. We have seen in the past how protests can be hijacked by criminals and used to cause violence and destruction of property,” Oguna said.