Governor Mutula Blasts Passaris’ ‘Anti-Democracy Bill’
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has criticized a Bill that might significantly alter how rallies, notably those in Nairobi, are organized.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 2, the governor branded the Bill presented by Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris as’retrogressive.’
The Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025 suggested amendments to the existing Public Order Act (Cap. 56), including restrictions on the venue of public assemblies.
According to the Nairobi Woman Representative’s proposal, no public meeting or procession would be permitted within a 100-metre radius of Parliament, courtrooms, or the Protected Areas Act.
“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 reads in part.
Kilonzo, on the other hand, objected to the bill’s restriction of demonstrators’ access to Parliament and other public locations.
He cited the Australian Senate and Germany’s Bundestag, stating that they were open to the public.
“Parliament and other public spaces are not hallowed grounds. In Australia, the Senate is under a park. In Germany, the roof of the Bundestag is a glass dome for the public to peep!” he posted.
The anti demos bill is retrogressive. Parliament and other public spaces are not hallowed grounds . In Australia , Senate is under a park .In Germany , the roof of the Bundestag is glass dome for the public to peep !
— Mutula KilonzoJR CBS (@GvnMutula) July 2, 2025
The bill also authorizes the Interior Cabinet Secretary to designate demonstration zones after consulting with county governments.
This will require determining where public processions are permitted and where they are prohibited.
If Passaris’ measure is implemented, protests will face more tighter restrictions, with demonstrators effectively limited to specific places away from critical state infrastructure.
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Public meetings and processions are currently governed by Chapter 56 of the Public Order Act, with organisers obliged to notify police at least three days before the event.
The event organizers are also expected to give information about the date, location, and time of the planned meeting, which must take place between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The recommendations follow a wave of property destruction and loss of life during the nationwide demonstrations on June 25.
The protests were intended to honor the lives of those who died a year ago.
Governor Mutula Blasts Passaris’ ‘Anti-Democracy Bill’
