Amnesty International has endorsed a new draft law aimed at protecting peaceful protests in Kenya while limiting police powers during demonstrations.
Amnesty International has highlighted the proposed Facilitation of Assembly, Picketing and Demonstration Bill as a chance to reduce violence during protests and uphold constitutional rights.
The bill was drafted with input from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the Office of the Attorney General, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, the Law Society of Kenya and other groups. It follows a High Court ruling on March 25, 2026, in the Sufuria Maandamano case.
Amnesty Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton said the legislation offers an opportunity to end years of violence and give full effect to Article 37 of the Constitution. The group welcomed rules on spontaneous demonstrations and restrictions on mass dispersal but raised concerns about mandatory notifications and the use of surveillance technology.
