Passaris initiates move to ban protests near parliament
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 1, 2025Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris is sponsoring a new Bill that aims to prohibit public gatherings and protests near Parliament and other protected areas that are considered vital to Kenya’s constitutional order.
The Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to amend the Public Order Act (Cap. 56) to introduce new rules about where Kenyans can hold demonstrations and public processions.
“A person shall not hold a public meeting or public procession within a radius of one hundred metres from the precincts of Parliament, protected areas under the Protected Areas Act, and courtrooms,” the proposal read in parts.
Anyone found breaking this law would be guilty of an offence and “shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both.”
“We need to start with protection of areas that safeguard our Constitution and areas that protect our most vulnerable citizens. And also the penalty of rape during demonstration, we have to review that law, because it has become rampant,” Passaris said, explaining her reasoning during the National Assembly Security Committee on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
Cabinet powers over protests
The Bill also gives more powers to the cabinet secretary in charge of internal security. In consultation with county governments, the CS will have authority to designate official assembly and demonstration zones across the country.
These zones would be the only legal spaces where public protests and meetings could be held.
Currently, the Public Order Act requires organisers of public meetings to notify the police at least three days in advance. They must also share details such as names, addresses, purpose of the meeting, date and time (between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.), and the exact location.
The law already provides consequences for those involved in unlawful assemblies, including charges under the Penal Code which could lead to imprisonment.
Passaris’ proposed changes come at a time when Gen Z-led protests have drawn attention nationwide. While the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, the new Bill seeks to protect critical institutions from disruptions while still allowing space for lawful demonstrations.
If passed, the law could significantly alter how protests are managed in Nairobi and across Kenya.