Public demonstration is allowed constitutionally where members of the public express their grievances through picketing. Three weeks ago, CORD principals led its supporters to protest against the International Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Before taking people to demonstrate, there are key lessons which leaders of the protests should teach their followers.
Demonstrations should be peaceful
The Constitution of Kenya gives people the right to exercise peaceful demonstration. Neither demonstrators nor police officers should clash and cause chaos.
Carry First Aid Kit
During demonstrations, there is often congestion which might result to unexpected injuries to demonstrators. A team of people should be set aside who will deal with such emergencies to avoid deaths. Demonstrators should also carry water to wash their faces in case the demonstration become violent and force police to use teargas.
Setting Goals
The leaders should set clear goals of the protests. There were cases of looting and destruction of properties among the CORD followers. Such case is deviation of the goals and leaders should condemn them.
A demonstration should not be a tool to spread hatred and division among the communities. Its a channel of airing mass grievances and it should not be taken otherwise.