The right to demonstrate is not a favour, but a constitutional guarantee – Ruto

The framework covers human rights violations during diverse protests held in Kenya between 2017 to 2025. 

While receiving the report, the Head of State observed that every citizen has a right to demonstrate as enshrined under article 37 of the constitution.

“The right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and petition under article 37 is not a favour from the state, it is a constitutional guarantee, it is one of the freedoms that define us as a democratic nation,” said the President.

Ruto noted that loss of life, destruction of property, bitterness and division have marred several protests. 

Further, the President noted that there have been situations where legitimate protests have been infiltrated by criminal elements, leading to violations of human rights and deaths. He acknowledged the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies.

According to Ruto, the protests have led to significant losses for both the government and all parties involved.

“Whenever this cycle unfolds, Kenya loses. Citizen losses, family losses, business losses and our democracy is diminished; the blame game begins, one side points to police brutality, the other to criminal elements and organized violence,” he asserted.

The President warned politicians who exploit public grief for their own personal gain to desist. 

Ruto maintained that the lives of Kenyans are precious, with deep wounds for politicians to treat them as instruments of political competition.