Kenyan court lifts ban on opposition’s protests

By Magdalene Mukami

NAIROBI, Kenya

A court on Tuesday lifted a ban imposed by the government on the opposition party’s protest demonstrations.

Last week, Kenya’s Interior Secretary Fred Matiangi had announced a ban on the protests “to prevent vandalism and assaults” in three cities including capital Nairobi. Four protesters have been killed by police since then.

Kenya’s opposition National Super Alliance had filed a petition in the high court demanding a right to protest in accordance with the country’s constitution.

The court ordered that the ban should be suspended with immediate effect.

Following the court’s ruling, opposition leader Raila Odinga announced that the daily protests would be put on hold this week to mourn those who had been killed by the police.

“We are deeply disturbed by the continued murder… especially in Western Kenya,” Odinga said.

The protests call for removal of 12 electoral officials alleged to have aided the ruling party in poll rigging.