Kenya's High Court has declared the Nairobi protest ban unconstitutional, citing violations of civil liberties

  Kenya's High Court has declared the Nairobi protest ban unconstitutional, citing violations of civil liberties. The court also issued an injunction against police using plainclothes or masked officers during demonstrations, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The court's decision came after 11 petitioners sought redress for rights violations during the 2024 anti-tax protests. The petitioners were awarded Ksh 2.2 million in compensation. This ruling sets a significant precedent for protecting citizens' rights to assemble and protest peacefully.

The judgment followed a petition by the Katiba Institute, which argued that the protest ban and police conduct violated freedoms of expression and assembly. Justice Bahati Mwamuye condemned the use of excessive force, including tear gas and water cannons, against peaceful demonstrators. The court’s decision reinforces the need for visible, accountable policing and calls for immediate enforcement to uphold constitutional rights during future public protests.

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