Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has suspended the pre-publication of the contentious Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025, also known as the Protest Bill, following mounting public pressure and calls for dialogue.
Passaris announced her decision on Monday, July 8, in response to an appeal by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which urged her to withdraw the proposed legislation ahead of Saba Saba Day protests.
“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,” Passaris stated. “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.”
According to the Nairobi MP, the pause will provide room for meaningful public participation and debate on how to balance civil liberties and public order.
“This is an invitation to co-create legislation that safeguards constitutional freedoms while ensuring public order,” she said.
What the Bill Proposes
The Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025 seeks to impose restrictions on public rallies near Parliament and other protected areas. It proposes designated protest zones as a means to reduce the risk of violence, looting, and property destruction during demonstrations.
However, the bill has sparked a national debate. Critics, including human rights groups and a section of lawmakers, argue that it undermines the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. Supporters, on the other hand, say the bill is necessary to maintain law and order.
A Call for Peaceful Dialogue
Passaris emphasized that just societies are built through mutual accountability, not intimidation or fear.
“A just society is not built by force or fear, but by accountability on all sides — from citizens to state officers. It is my hope that this conversation will shift from confrontation to collaboration,” she noted.
The MP also challenged the religious community to play a more proactive role in shaping national discourse around civil liberties and protest culture.
“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,” she said. “Let us teach and encourage a culture of peaceful protest, lawful engagement, and respectful disagreement — values rooted in both faith and democracy.”
With the bill on hold, Passaris reiterated her commitment to fostering inclusive legislative processes that reflect the will of the people while preserving national harmony.
