National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has made a strong call for urgent reforms to Kenya’s protest laws, saying the country must act to end the chaos that continues to follow violent demonstrations.

Speaking during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme in Kabuchoi, Aldai Constituency on Friday, Wetang’ula said that while Article 37 of the Constitution rightly protects the freedoms of assembly, demonstration, picketing, and petitioning, the clause has been grossly abused and is now being used as a cover for criminal acts.

The Speaker condemned the deadly protests witnessed across the country in recent weeks, which have resulted in deaths, injuries, destruction of property, and fear among citizens. “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.”

He asked National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and fellow lawmakers to push for a legislative review—15 years after the 2010 Constitution was passed—to seal the gaps that allow violence to take place under the pretense of peaceful protest.

Wetang’ula stressed that rights must be exercised peacefully and unarmed, as clearly stated in the Constitution. He also said the law should be firm on those who incite or fund destruction.

Drawing comparisons to the United Kingdom, Wetang’ula suggested a model where protest organisers can be held personally liable for any damage or unrest that arises during 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.”

His remarks also targeted the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of inciting chaos in Kenya before fleeing to the United States, where he continues to push divisive narratives.

“The people he’s meeting in America don’t even know about Kenyan tribes; they were born there. What he’s doing is exporting Kenya’s political toxicity to America,” said Wetang’ula. He urged citizens to reject leaders who thrive on division. “That man represents no one. He disrespects even the most ordinary of leaders. We must uphold peace, harmony, and mutual respect,” he added.

Wetang’ula was joined by senior leaders including Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro, Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, and MPs Nabii Nabwera, Dick Maungu, John Waluke, and Kakai Bisai. Ichung’wah used the platform to strongly condemn the opposition for their role in organising the Saba Saba protests, saying no one will escape accountability.

“Whether you’re an MP or not, if you planned or sponsored those riots, you will face justice. Even I, as Majority Leader, would not be spared. No one is above the law,” said Ichung’wah, in remarks seen as a direct jab at Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, who was recently arrested over alleged links to the protests. Her legal team, led by Kalonzo Musyoka and Ndegwa Njiru, has termed the charges a political witch-hunt, but Ichung’wah stood firm. “If you told youths to loot shops, torch police stations, or destroy property, you must carry that cross. Stop crying. Ask your political sponsors to help you bear it.”

He cautioned Rift Valley residents against falling into the trap of tribal divisions, urging them to learn from the painful lessons of the 2007/08 post-election violence.

Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed that 50 individuals are under investigation by the Serious Crimes Investigations Unit, while 71 others are being handled by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit for offences linked to demonstrations on June 25 and July 7, 2025.

He said the suspects are believed to be part of coordinated criminal groups blamed for widespread destruction, deaths, and attacks on critical infrastructure.

Murkomen further disclosed that nearly 1,500 suspects have so far been arrested and are facing charges that include terrorism, murder, robbery with violence, sexual assault, arson, and destruction of property.