- A new Bill wants to stop public demonstrations near key institutions like Parliament and courts.
- The law would punish offenders with a fine or up to three months in jail.
- The Interior Ministry would be given more power to decide where people can or can’t gather.
- This comes as protests, especially by Gen Z, continue to grow around government sites.
Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris is pushing for changes that could limit how close protesters can get to power. Her proposed law seeks to block any public gathering or march within 100 metres of Parliament buildings, courtrooms, or other sensitive government areas.
If anyone breaks the rule, the penalties are clear: a fine of up to KSh100,000, a three-month jail term, or both. That’s what’s written in the Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which is now before Parliament.
Interior CS to Choose Where You Can Protest
The law would also give the Interior Cabinet Secretary more say in deciding protest zones. Working with county governments, the CS would be allowed to officially mark places where demonstrations are permitted—and where they are not.
As it stands, anyone planning a public procession must inform the police at least three days before. That notice should include details like date, venue, time (between 6 am and 6 pm), and names of the people in charge.
This proposal comes just weeks after Gen Z-led protests saw thousands rallying outside Parliament and government offices. Many view this amendment as a direct response to those events, and it’s already raising questions about what “peaceful assembly” will look like going forward.
