Explained: Dos and Don'ts during protests

 Mombasa residents protest against Finance Bill 2024. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

As the key Anti-Finance Bill protests get underway in Kenya today, the Law Society of Kenya has established guidelines for demonstrators to follow.

Protests in Kenya have often been marred by violence and property destruction, leading to loss of life and destruction of property.

On this significant day of anti-Finance Bill protests, LSK advises that protestors do the following to ensure their safety.  

Do’s

Express views peacefully: Protesters should express their views through dancing, singing, chanting, and marching, while avoiding offensive language that might disturb the peace.

Stay within designated zones: Protesters must remain within designated areas to avoid being targeted in restricted zones.

Move with the group: To ensure safety, stay with the group of protesters. Moving in masses helps avoid profiling and reduces individual accountability for actions.

Adhere to legal protest times: Protests are legally allowed between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Ensure you protest within this timeframe.

Document events: Take photos and keep track of your location and surroundings to ensure you can be accounted for in case of any incidents.

Maintain communication: Keep track of your movements by maintaining regular communication.

Don’ts

Do not provoke police: Avoid threatening, attacking, or provoking police officers in any way that might justify aggression against you.

Do not disturb non-protesters: Avoid confronting or harming members of the public who hold different opinions about the protests.

Do not carry weapons: Do not carry any objects that can be used as weapons, including guns, stones, knives, whips, or other harmful tools.

Do not breach protected areas: Do not protest around buildings or premises designated as protected areas unless authorized. This includes places like Parliament grounds, the Supreme Court, military barracks, or State House.

Do not spread propaganda or hate speech: Avoid making remarks that could be interpreted as slurs against individuals or that could mislead the public and incite rage.