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

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris. [File, Standard]

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. I am here to protect Kenyans and ensure we have order when people exercise their freedoms," she explained.

She urged Kenyans to pursue change through elections and peaceful means.

"Now, there's only one way to remove William Samui Ruto. It is through the ballot in 2027, not by destroying property and hurting innocent people," Passaris observed.

Passaris also reaffirmed her identity and commitment to Kenya. "I have only one citizenship. I am strictly Kenyan and proud to be Kenyan," she stated.

"We should live in peace and unity, and if we love Kenya, we must protect it."

Critics argue the bill threatens freedoms under Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees peaceful assembly.

"Let's not allow anything that limits Article 37 and Article 1 of the Constitution," argued Migori Senator Eddy Oketch on July 3.

Thirdway Alliance party leader Ekuru Aukot opposed the proposal, calling it a claw-back on freedoms. "The argument is not valid. It is a claw-back to the provision of Article 37 of the Constitution and the will of the people," Aukot noted.

Leaders urged young people to participate in politics to hold leaders accountable.

"We encourage the young people to come out strongly and contest for seats to be in Parliament and refuse to be captured so that they can hold the Executive to account," stated Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo.