National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has slammed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s U.S. tour, saying he does not project the image of a national leader.
Wetangula branded Gachaga as a national security threat who has “exported political bad manners” from Kenya to the United States.
”The people he is talking to were born in America; they don’t even know the tribes of Kenya. He is exporting political bad manners of Kenya to america.” Wetangula said.
Wetang’ula accused the embattled former DP of instigating violent, destructive protests back home, only to flee to the U.S. under the guise of addressing Kenyans from his community.
”Mmeona yule mtu wa Wamunyoro ametoka hapa ameeda America.” Wetangula said as he called for a review of the country’s laws governing public protests, arguing that while Article 37 of the Constitution rightfully protects the freedoms to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions, this right has been grossly abused over the years.
“Let’s be clear,” Wetang’ula said. “The Constitution guarantees the right to assemble and protest, but it does not give anyone the license to riot, loot, burn property, rape, maim, or kill. That is lawlessness, and no society should tolerate it.”
The Speaker urged the Leader of Majority Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah and fellow MPs to spearhead a fresh legislative review, 15 years after the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, to close loopholes that enable violence under the guise of peaceful protest.
Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities. This right is explicitly stated as being exercisable “peaceably and unarmed”.
While this right is fundamental, it is not absolute and can be limited under specific circumstances outlined in the Constitution and relevant legislation.
Wetang’ula cited the United Kingdom, where protest organizers can be held personally liable for damages and chaos that follow demonstrations.
“We need to borrow this model,” he said. “When politicians and protest leaders urge our youth to burn, loot, and destroy, while their own children are safely studying abroad, they must be held accountable. Freedom must come with responsibility.”
The Speaker made his remarks during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme held in Kabuchoi, Aldai Constituency on Friday.
He was accompanied, among others, by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, his Senate counterpart, Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro, Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, and MPs Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), Dick Maungu (Luanda), John Waluke (Sirisia), Kakai Bisai (Kiminini), among others.
