PS Omollo revives push to designate protest zones
By Cy Muganda, August 15, 2025Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has renewed calls for the introduction of designated protest zones as part of sweeping changes to Kenya’s public order laws.
In a statement posted on his X account on August 15, 2025, Omollo disclosed that he had tabled the proposed Public Order Management Bill, 2025, outlining the urgent need for modern legal frameworks to manage public gatherings and demonstrations, while appearing before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security.
“I outlined the urgent need for a modern legal framework to manage public gatherings, demonstrations and picketing, noting that the current Public Order Act of 1960 is outdated and ill-suited to today’s realities,” the PS stated.
Omollo cited recent protest-related violence as justification for the legislative overhaul, pointing to casualties and property destruction witnessed across multiple counties.
“Over the past year, violent protests have resulted in loss of lives, injuries and destruction of public and private property across several counties,” he noted.
The PS further framed the legislation as necessary to protect both constitutional rights and national security.
“The objective is to prevent lawlessness, safeguard lives and property and ensure that the constitutional right to assemble is exercised responsibly and without undermining national security,” Omollo stated.
Protest bill
According to the Interior PS, the Public Order Management Bill, 2025, introduces several specific measures to regulate public demonstrations.
The Bill seeks to define and categorise public meetings, demonstrations, and picketing; introduce designated zones for protests; and clearly outline the responsibilities of police, organisers, participants, and stewards.
It also proposes holding organisers accountable for damages and cleanup, and making provisions for individual picketers and spontaneous gatherings within the law.
“Outline the responsibilities of police, organisers, participants and stewards; hold organisers accountable for damages and cleanup,” Omollo explained among the Bill’s key features.