Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has defended her proposed Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, saying it will protect lives and property during demonstrations while preserving the right to protest.
The bill, introduced on October 18, 2024, would ban protests within 100 meters of Parliament, courts and State House, imposing jail terms of up to three months or fines up to Sh100000 for breaches.
It also grants the Interior Cabinet Secretary and county governments authority to designate demonstration zones. "Because of the love I have for Kenya, I have brought this bill to protect our country from violence while still allowing Kenyans to protest peacefully," Passaris noted during an event in Nakuru on Thursday, July 3.
Passaris criticised those accusing her of undermining rights, insisting her focus is on safety and constitutional order. "I am not here to take away rights.
