Passaris Pushes for Ban on Public Protests Near Parliament in New Bill

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has sponsored a new Bill seeking to ban public gatherings within 100 metres of Parliament, court premises, and other protected areas.

The Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025 proposes changes to the existing Public Order Act (Cap. 56), aiming to introduce clearly demarcated zones for public assembly and demonstrations.

According to the Bill, “a person who contravenes the provisions of this section commits 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.”

In addition, the proposed law gives the Interior Cabinet Secretary powers to designate official assembly and demonstration zones in collaboration with county governments. These zones would define where public gatherings are permitted or prohibited.

Currently, the Public Order Act requires organizers of public meetings to notify police at least three days in advance. Organizers must provide details such as names, addresses, planned dates and times (between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.), and the intended location.

The Act also criminalizes unlawful assemblies, with violators facing penalties under the Penal Code.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.