UDA MP Surrenders, Withdraws Anti-Protest Bill Under Pressure

• Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku has withdrawn the Assembly and Demonstration Bill 2024, succumbing to pressure from Kenyans
• Ruku announced on June 27 that he would formally write to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula to withdraw the Bill
• The Bill aimed to regulate the conduct of assemblies and demonstrations, enhancing safety and security for all parties involved
• Ruku acknowledged Kenyans' will and promised to inform the public once the withdrawal process is complete, urging citizens to focus on building a better Kenya

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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Mbeere North Member of Parliament (MP) Geoffrey Ruku has withdrawn the Assembly and Demonstration Bill 2024.

Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku said he would inform Kenyans once the Bill is withdrawn. Photo: Geoffrey Ruku. Source: Twitter

In a statement on Thursday, June 27 on X, the lawmaker revealed that he had acceded to pressure from Kenyans.

He said he would formally write to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula to withdraw the Bill, which he said was heading to the participation stage.

"I have heard the voice of Kenyans and therefore decided to withdraw the Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024 (National Assembly Bills No. 28 of 2024).

I will officially be writing to the Speaker of the @NAssemblyKE to withdraw the Maandamano Bill.I have conceded to the will of Kenyans and thus withdraws the Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024. The Bill was headed for the Public Participation stage," wrote the lawmaker.

What is contained in Ruku's Bill

The controversial Bill sought to spell out the conduct of an assembly or demonstration and outline prohibitions during such events.

Ruku explained that he filed the Bill to enhance the safety and security of the protestors, non-protestors and businesses.

"The Bill was founded on the need to give effect to Article 37 of the Constitution and to enhance the safety and security of the protestors, non-protestors and businesses. However, I have agreed with the will of Kenyans that the bill be withdrawn," he said.

The lawmaker added that he would inform Kenyans once the formal withdrawal process was complete, urging the citizenry to return to building a better Kenya.

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