A proposed law to restrict protests in Kenya is facing sharp criticism, with a lawyer calling it a fear-driven move to silence dissent.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has tabled the Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeking to create designated protest zones in cities and urban areas. The bill would bar demonstrations within 100 metres of Parliament, protected areas and court buildings.
Violators would face a fine of up to Sh100,000 or up to three months in jail.
Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday, July 2, Dr Martin Oloo, an advocate of the High Court, described the bill as a "fear-driven response" by leaders unwilling to face the people who elected them. "Which government that is elected by people would want to insulate itself from the people, in fact if you told these people to move Parliament to an island or to move State House to an island, they would do that so that they can rule from there and leave the rest of us languishing down here.
