Passaris defends protest bill as critics warn of rights claw-back

Passaris defends her bill to ban protests within 100m of Parliament, courts, State House as critics warn it threatens Kenyans’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly under Article 37...

✨ Key Highlights

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris defends her proposed Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at regulating protests in Kenya while asserting that it protects the right to protest.

The bill, introduced on October 18, 2024, bans protests within 100 meters of key government buildings and imposes penalties of up to Sh100,000 or three months in jail for violations.
Esther Passaris emphasizes the need for safety during demonstrations and criticizes accusations of undermining constitutional rights.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch and Ekuru Aukot express concerns that the bill threatens peaceful assembly as guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution.