Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has tabled a controversial Bill seeking to outlaw public demonstrations within 100 metres of Parliament, courtrooms, and other protected areas, in a move that could drastically reshape the future of public protests in Kenya.

The proposed legislation — Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025 — comes just days after nationwide demonstrations on June 25 turned violent, leading to widespread destruction of government property and the arrest of hundreds.

“A person who contravenes the provisions of this section commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or both,” the bill states.

If passed, the law would empower the Interior Cabinet Secretary to designate specific zones for demonstrations, following consultations with county governments. These zones would dictate where protests can or cannot occur, effectively banning rallies near high-security institutions.

Under the current Public Order Act (Cap. 56), organisers of demonstrations are already required to notify the police at least three days in advance, detailing the date, location, and time. However, the new proposal would place additional geographic limits, confining protests to “safe” areas.

The bill appears to be a direct response to the chaos witnessed during the June 25 protests, which were held in memory of lives lost a year earlier.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) chief Amin Mohammed, the protests were “hijacked” by unidentified groups who caused mayhem.

“Several facilities including Kikuyu Law Courts and police stations were vandalised or torched. These were not spontaneous acts,” said Mohammed, adding that investigations point to premeditated violence.

More than 400 people were arrested countrywide and are now facing serious charges, including terrorism, arson, robbery with violence, rape, incitement, and possession of illegal firearms.

Passaris’ bill has already ignited debate, with supporters arguing it will protect critical infrastructure and deter violence, while critics warn it could muzzle freedom of assembly — a right enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution.