Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has changed her stance on the Public Order Amendment Bill, which she had earlier proposed in Parliament to regulate how protests are conducted in the country.
In a statement dated Monday, July 7 2025, Passaris announced she has paused the controversial bill to facilitate national dialogue.
“As Kenya commemorates Saba Saba, a day rooted in our struggle for democracy and justice, I wish to respond to the call by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and other voices of conscience.
I have decided to pause the pre-publication process of the Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025 to enable national dialogue and broad public engagement. This is an invitation to co-create legislation that safeguards constitutional freedoms while maintaining public order,” Passaris stated.
Esther Passaris Makes U-Turn on Bill Regulating Protests
At the same time, Passaris thanked the NCCK for its bold stance in defending civil liberties but also challenged religious institutions to elevate the moral standards of public discourse.
“Let us teach and encourage a culture of peaceful protest, lawful engagement, and respectful disagreement rooted in faith and democracy,” Passaris added.
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Passaris also stressed the importance of mutual accountability, noting that a fair society is founded on responsibility rather than force or fear. She expressed hope that the national dialogue would transition from confrontation to cooperation.
“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,” Passaris said.
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Her decision to pause the controversial bill follows backlash from netizens and public figures over her proposed Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aimed to restrict protests within 100 metres of key government institutions such as Parliament, State House, and courts.
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Critics, including lawyer Willis Otieno, accused Passaris of betraying democratic principles, while others, like Migori Senator Eddy Oketch and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., argued that the bill violated Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly.
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