Passaris halts Public Order Bill for national dialogue

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has announced a pause in the pre-publication process of the Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to allow for national dialogue and broader public engagement.

In a statement on her social media platforms, Passaris said the move invites Kenyans to co-create legislation that balances constitutional freedoms with the need to maintain public order.

“A just society is not built by force or fear, but by accountability on all sides—from citizens to state officers,” she said. “It is my hope that this conversation will shift from confrontation to collaboration.”

Passaris added that her decision was in response to calls from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and other voices of conscience.

On July 6, 2025, NCCK issued a press statement opposing the proposed Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024, and demanded its immediate withdrawal.

“I thank NCCK for its bold stance in defending civil liberties, but I also challenge our religious institutions to raise the moral bar of public discourse,” Passaris said.

She urged Kenyans to embrace peaceful protest, lawful engagement, and respectful disagreement—values she described as rooted in both faith and democracy, as the country marks Saba Saba.

She described the day as a moment for reflection and responsibility, rooted in Kenya’s historical struggle for democracy and justice.

“As we honour the spirit of Saba Saba, let us move forward not in anger but in shared accountability; each of us doing our part to secure Kenya’s promise of prosperity,” she said.

On July 1, 2025, members of the National Security Committee welcomed Passaris’ proposals to regulate protests.

“The whole idea of the Bill is to protect the pillars of our democracy. You have to have a certain area where you can’t reach as a demonstrator, and you have to respect that,” she explained.

The proposed amendment seeks to prohibit protests within a 100-meter radius of Parliament, the State House, courts, and other designated protected areas. It also proposes giving the Interior Cabinet Secretary powers to designate demonstration zones in cities and urban areas.

“The rationale of the Bill follows the safety of our people and safeguarding institutions. Rights must be exercised peacefully and unarmed. There is a need to ensure that the rights of other individuals are not prejudiced,” Passaris said.

She cited recent protests that saw supermarkets looted, women assaulted, and people terrorised.

“Rogue actors turned rights into ruin. This Bill is a direct response to the crisis,” she added.

If passed, violators of the proposed law would face a fine of Sh100,000.