Kenyan top court lifts protest ban amid rising death toll

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - The Kenyan High Court suspended a ban by police on protests in Nairobi on Thursday, following a surge in violence that has resulted in dozens of deaths nationwide.

The protests, ignited by economic hardships and political grievances, have gripped the nation for weeks.

Authorities imposed a ban on demonstrations in the capital, citing concerns for public safety.

That decision, however, was quickly challenged in court, leading to the suspension of the ban.

The High Court's ruling emphasized the constitutional right of Kenyans to peaceful assembly and protest.

“A conservatory order be and is hereby issued restraining the Inspector-General of Police and all other persons serving within the National Police Service, or acting in support of the National Police Service in the discharge of its law enforcement functions, from applying or enforcing the Inspector-General of Police’s impugned decision,” Justice Andrew Bahati Mwamuye said in his ruling about the ban by police to outlaw the protests that are being held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura told reporters in Nairobi that the government regrets the economic toll on the economy caused by the protests.

“The country lost 6 billion Kenya shillings ($45 million), according to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) as a result of the demonstrations,” he said.

Tensions remained high Thursday as pockets of protests persisted across the country.

The US Embassy in Nairobi issued a statement that said it is “deeply concerned by reports of violence, including shootings and abductions of protestors, journalists, and others. Constructive engagement of citizens and civil society, aided by a free and independent media, is a pillar of democracy.”

President William Ruto, in a bid to respond to protesters' demands, cut government spending Thursday and reduced annual salaries for retired presidents from 180 million Kenya shillings ($1.4 million) to 99 million Kenya shillings ($756,000) to align with a revised budget. He also slashed the budget of the State House, the official residence of the president, by 54%.

Kenyans, led by young protesters, are demanding that Ruto resign.

The protests have left dozens injured and many others have been killed in confrontations with police.