Protesting is a right we must always protect

Police seize 'props' used by protestors during Azimio demonstrations in Kisumu on July 12, 2023. [Michael Mute, Standard]

One of the most significant demonstrations I have been part of was way back on campus at Moi University, led by students union leaders.

At the forefront was then Secretary General Aaron Cheruiyot, current Kericho Senator and Senate Majority Leader. I mention him because he is among many who paid the price for whatever we were fighting for, including affordable fare between Kesses and main campus.

He spent a year in suspension, along with other student leaders. It is a badge I can bet he carries with honour because the demos bore fruit for us.

However, the heaviest price was paid by one of my friends. A vehicle hijacked by students toppled over from the weight, and he died on the spot. Protests in form of demonstrations are a time-old method used to bring change to society, and there is always a likelihood that those who oppose demonstrations today may need them tomorrow.

A good number of leaders past and current, emerged in times of crisis and cut their teeth through protest, agitation, and activism during their schooling days. At the time, it may have been for what we may assume trivial issues such as poor food, lack of adequate entertainment, etc. However, those issues mattered then.

Protests are usually resorted to when all avenues of engagement have been exhausted or do not offer hope. It is a preserve for` those who find that they can only be heard when united in their cause, and better still when they cause some disruption to natural order.

Even before a child learns the Constitution, you see him throw himself down, tear clothes, and kick in the air when agitated. That is a protest.

In 2015, Langata Road Primary School pupils found themselves in such circumstances. The children were against powerful forces threatening to hive off a part of their playing ground. They put their safety in numbers, and in the company of a few activists, they went to the streets. While police were shamefully confronted with teargas, their voices were heard, and they saved their land.

At one time, former President Uhuru Kenyatta was opposition leader and had his fair share of street battles. Just after the 2007 elections, it was President William Ruto’s turn to protest results, as ODM supporters took to the streets.

A clip shows him in a dawn TV discussion complaining bitterly about the number of supporters killed by the bullet. That is why I find it appalling that Interior CS Kithure Kindiki would draw parallels between demonstrations and terrorist activities.

Those who lead demonstrations may not be there to lead them tomorrow, but if the issues that necessitate a demonstration arise, they will arise with a new crop of courageous leaders ready to lead the victims to the streets. 

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