Landmark Ruling Protects Protesters from Excessive Force In a historic decision, the court has prohibited the use of tear gas and water cannon against protesters. This landmark ruling upholds the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and sets vital safeguards against excessive force by law enforcement. The use of tear gas and water cannon has been widely condemned for its indiscriminate and often harmful effects. Tear gas causes severe respiratory distress, while water cannon can inflict injuries and disperse crowds with indiscriminate force. The court recognized the inherent dangers of these weapons and emphasized that their deployment against peaceful protesters violated the fundamental principles of a democratic society. “The use of tear gas and water cannon infringes upon the right to free assembly,” the court declared, “and constitutes an unwarranted and excessive use of force.” This ruling has significant implications for the protection of protesters and the right to dissent. It empowers citizen observers to hold law enforcement accountable for any potential violations and ensures that peaceful protests are not met with unlawful force. Organizations and individuals dedicated to civil liberties and human rights have hailed the decision as a victory for democracy and freedom of expression. “This ruling is a crucial step towards ensuring that the voices of protesters are heard without the threat of violence,” said one activist. The court’s prohibition on tear gas and water cannon sets a clear precedent for future law enforcement practices. It emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights of protesters and upholding the principles of a just and equitable society. As voices of dissent continue to rise in defense of human rights, the court’s ruling provides a beacon of hope for those seeking peaceful change. It safeguards the fundamental right to assembly and empowers citizens to demand accountability from those who seek to silence their voices.Kenyan Court Restrains Security Forces from Using Excessive Force against Anti-Finance Bill ProtestersKenyan Court Restrains Security Forces from Using Excessive Force against Anti-Finance Bill Protesters A Kenyan court in Malindi has issued an injunction barring security agencies from employing excessive force against protesters opposed to the proposed Finance Bill 2024. Judge Mugure Thande’s order prohibits police officers from using water cannons, tear gas, live ammunition, rubber bullets, or other harmful weapons against demonstrators. Additionally, the judge has interdicted the Inspector General of Police and the Ministry of Interior from engaging in extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, kidnappings, intimidation, torture, or other forms of cruel and degrading treatment. The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by former Azimio leader Saitabao Ole Kanchory, who argued that security forces had used excessive force against protesters in recent demonstrations against the Finance Bill. Kanchory’s petition alleges that the use of tear gas and water cannons has led to injuries and respiratory problems among protesters. He further claims that the security forces have employed live ammunition and rubber bullets, resulting in deaths and serious injuries. The judge’s orders remain in effect until the court determines the outcome of Kanchory’s case. The hearing date has not yet been set. In the meantime, the government has been instructed to ensure that the police and other security agencies adhere to the court order and respect the constitutional rights of protesters. The court’s decision has been welcomed by rights groups and human rights advocates, who have condemned the excessive use of force by security forces in the past. The Finance Bill 2024, which seeks to introduce new taxes and increase existing ones, has sparked widespread protests across Kenya. The protesters argue that the bill will burden ordinary citizens and businesses. The government has defended the bill, claiming it is necessary to raise revenue for essential services.A court has prohibited the use of tear gas and water cannon against protesters. The ruling came in response to a petition filed by a group of human rights organizations, which argued that the use of these weapons was excessive and violated the protesters’ constitutional rights. The court agreed with the petitioners, finding that the use of tear gas and water cannon was not necessary or proportionate to the threat posed by the protesters. The court also found that the use of these weapons was likely to cause serious injuries or even death. The ruling is a victory for human rights advocates, who have long argued that the use of tear gas and water cannon against protesters is a violation of international law. The ruling is also a blow to law enforcement agencies, which have relied on these weapons to control protests. It is unclear how the ruling will be enforced. The police have not yet commented on the ruling, and it is possible that they will continue to use tear gas and water cannon against protesters. However, the ruling is a significant step forward for human rights and could help to prevent future injuries or deaths.