Esther Passaris Pauses Controversial Protest Bill After Public Outcry

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has bowed to public pressure and paused the pre-publication of the controversial Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025, which sought to regulate protests in Kenya.

In a statement on Monday, July 7, Passaris said her decision followed growing opposition from faith-based organizations, civil society groups, and ordinary Kenyans who raised concerns about potential threats to constitutional freedoms.

“I have decided to pause the pre-publication process of the Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025 to allow for national dialogue and wide public engagement. This is an invitation to co-create legislation that safeguards constitutional freedoms while ensuring public order,” said Passaris.

She commended faith-based groups like the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) for their bold defense of civil liberties but urged them to promote peaceful civic engagement.

“Let’s teach and encourage a culture of peaceful protest, lawful engagement, and respectful disagreement — values rooted in both faith and democracy,” she added.

Balanced Governance and Spirit of Saba Saba

Passaris emphasized the need for shared accountability between citizens and government authorities, warning that democracy cannot flourish under fear or force.

“A just society is built not by force or fear but through accountability on all sides  from citizens to state officers. Let us move forward in the spirit of Saba Saba with shared responsibility,” she said.

What Was in the Controversial Bill?

The proposed law sought to:

• Prohibit public assemblies, protests, and marches within 100 meters of sensitive state facilities including Parliament, courts, and State House.
• Introduce penalties of up to three months in prison, fines of KSh 100,000, or both for violators.
• Empower the Interior Cabinet Secretary, in consultation with county governments, to designate specific “protest zones” for lawful gatherings.

The Bill emerged following Gen Z-led protests during the Finance Bill demonstrations and their anniversary in June 2025, which saw massive turnouts across the country.

“As we honour the spirit of Saba Saba, let’s move forward not in anger but in shared accountability to secure Kenya’s promise of prosperity,” concluded Passaris.