Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has defended her proposed Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to ban protests within 100 meters of Parliament, courts and other protected areas, even as critics warn it threatens constitutional rights.
Passaris said the bill would help protect lives and property during demonstrations while upholding the rule of law.
“If we love Kenya, we must protect it,” said Passaris during a recent event in Nakuru.
The proposal follows recent youth-led protests across the country, which have seen property destroyed and lives lost.
She said the bill, first introduced on October 18, 2024, aims to demarcate clear zones for protests while allowing Kenyans to exercise their rights safely.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has dismissed the bill as unconstitutional, warning it would limit Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate and present petitions peacefully.
“Let’s not allow anything that limits Article 37 and Article 1 of the Constitution,” said Oketch in an interview on Thursday, July 3.
Oketch also noted that while both he and Passaris belong to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the party does not support the bill, describing it as a private member’s affair.
Thirdway Alliance party leader Ekuru Aukot also opposed the bill, calling it a claw-back on constitutional freedoms.
“The argument is not valid. It is a claw-back to the provision of Article 37 of the Constitution and the will of the people,” noted Aukot.
Under the proposed bill, anyone found within 100 meters of Parliament, State House or courts during unauthorised protests would face up to three months in prison, a fine not exceeding Sh100000 or both.
The bill would also grant the Interior Cabinet Secretary and county governments power to designate assembly and demonstration zones.
Passaris criticised media houses for labelling her a “gun for hire” over the proposal, saying her focus is to protect Kenyans while respecting the Constitution.
“I have only one citizenship. I am strictly Kenyan and proud to be Kenyan,” she said.
The proposal comes amid heightened youth activism, with leaders urging young people to take up political roles to hold the government accountable.
“We encourage the young people to come out strongly and contest for seats to be in Parliament and refuse to be captured so that they can hold the Executive to account,” stated Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has defended her proposed Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to ban protests within 100 meters of Parliament, courts and other protected areas, even as critics warn it threatens constitutional rights.
Passaris said the bill would help protect lives and property during demonstrations while upholding the rule of law.
“If we love Kenya, we must protect it,” said Passaris during a recent event in Nakuru.
The proposal follows recent youth-led protests across the country, which have seen property destroyed and lives lost.
She said the bill, first introduced on October 18, 2024, aims to demarcate clear zones for protests while allowing Kenyans to exercise their rights safely.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has dismissed the bill as unconstitutional, warning it would limit Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate and present petitions peacefully.
“Let’s not allow anything that limits Article 37 and Article 1 of the Constitution,” said Oketch in an interview on Thursday, July 3.
Oketch also noted that while both he and Passaris belong to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the party does not support the bill, describing it as a private member’s affair.
Thirdway Alliance party leader Ekuru Aukot also opposed the bill, calling it a claw-back on constitutional freedoms.
“The argument is not valid. It is a claw-back to the provision of Article 37 of the Constitution and the will of the people,” noted Aukot.
Under the proposed bill, anyone found within 100 meters of Parliament, State House or courts during unauthorised protests would face up to three months in prison, a fine not exceeding Sh100000 or both.
The bill would also grant the Interior Cabinet Secretary and county governments power to designate assembly and demonstration zones.
Passaris criticised media houses for labelling her a “gun for hire” over the proposal, saying her focus is to protect Kenyans while respecting the Constitution.
“I have only one citizenship. I am strictly Kenyan and proud to be Kenyan,” she said.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
The proposal comes amid heightened youth activism, with leaders urging young people to take up political roles to hold the government accountable.
“We encourage the young people to come out strongly and contest for seats to be in Parliament and refuse to be captured so that they can hold the Executive to account,” stated Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo.
By David Njaaga