Esther Passaris Presents Bill Seeking to Ban Protests Near Parliament, Outlines Reasons
- Nairobi woman representative, Esther Passaris, presented a bill that will make demonstrations outside parliament illegal
- Passaris stipulated the consequences and penalties that Kenyans would face if they breached it
- Speaking before the National Assembly, Passaris stated the reason why she would want the bill she proposed to be approved
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Nairobi woman representative Esther Passaris has presented a bill that seeks to bar protests near the parliament and other protected areas.
Source: Getty Images
The Public Order Amendment Bill 2025, which has been proposed by Passaris, proposes changes to the Public Order Act to address public meetings and processions.
In a statement seen by TUKO.co.ke, if the bill is passed, people shall not be allowed within a radius of 100 metres from the parliament under the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act.
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What are consequences for breaking Public Order Amendment Bill 2025?
The bill further proposes strict consequences, including conviction or payment of a fine for any person who breaks the law.
"A person who contravenes the provisions of this section commits an offence and shall on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both," the statement read in part.
The bill has also stated that protected areas and a building in which a courtroom is situated should also be out of bounds for protesting individuals.
The politicians' bill further gave Cabinet secretaries the authority to designate assembly and demonstration zones in the capital city and other urban areas.
"The Cabinet secretary may, by notice in the gazette and upon consultation with the county governments, designate assembly and demonstration zones in the capital city, cities and urban areas," the statement further read.
The Public Order Act further controls public processions, requiring the protesting group to notify the police of the plans to demonstrate three days before the event.
Why does Passaris want demos outside parliament banned?
Speaking before the National Assembly, Passaris stated that there was a need to ensure that one person's enjoyment of rights does not prejudice the rights and fundamental freedoms of others.
"Why is the amendment necessary? We are all aware of what has unfolded in the recent past. Supermarkets looted, police station and court buildings set on fire, police officers injured. Public calls to invade Parliament and State House have been circulating. These are not peaceful protests, they are coordinated attacks on public order," Passaris said.
Source: Facebook
Passaris added that although the majority of protesters have noble intentions, it takes a few rogue actors to turn the demos into a crisis.
"The bill is a direct response to the crisis. I want to recognise that we have lost a lot of youth in the process, and we as a country have to do something about that. I believe that this has reached the highest office of the land. The Parliament is also well informed about what we need to do in that area," she added.
Did MPs halt proceedings during Gen Z protests?
Passaris' proposal comes days after the National Assembly proceedings were abruptly adjourned on Wednesday, June 25, due to Gen Z protests across the country.
Only a few MPs showed up for the session.
The morning sitting had been scheduled for the debate of key bills, but lawmakers made their exit as calls for justice intensified.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
