Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has criticised the proposal of a Bill that could effectively change how demonstrations, particularly those in Nairobi, are conducted. Through a statement released on Wednesday, July 2, the governor described the Bill that is being sponsored by Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris as 'retrogressive.' The Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025 proposed changes to the existing Public Order Act (Cap. 56) by introducing restrictions on the locations of public meetings.
In the proposal by the Nairobi Woman Representative, no public meeting or procession would be allowed within a 100-metre radius of Parliament, courtrooms and protected areas designated under the Protected Areas Act.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior Photo Mutula Kilonzo "A person who contravenes the provisions of this section commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or both," the bill reads in part.
However, Kilonzo took issue with the bill's move to restrict protesters from accessing Parliament and other public spaces, invoking the Senate of Australia and the Bundestag, Germany's Parliament, arguing they were not restricted to the public. "Parliament and other public spaces are not hallowed grounds.
