A new Bill sponsored by Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris seeks to prohibit public gatherings near Parliament and all protected areas.
The Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025 proposes changes to the Public Order Act (Cap. 56) to address public meetings and processions, providing the demarcation of assembly and demonstration zones.
The County MP argues that any public meeting or public procession should not be held within a radius of 100 metres from the precincts of Parliament, protected areas under the Protected Areas Act and courtrooms.
“A person who contravenes the provisions of this section commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both,” reads the proposal in part.
The Bill also empowers the Cabinet Secretary to designate assembly and demonstration zones in consultation with the county governments and prescribes the areas within which public meetings and processions are prohibited.
Chapter 56 of the Public Order Act regulates public meetings and processions, requiring a police officer to be notified at least three days before the event.
It outlines procedures for holding public gathering, including the requirement for organizers to provide details such as names, addresses, dates, times (between 6 am and 6 pm), and locations.
The Act also addresses unlawful assemblies and the consequences for those involved. Those involved can be charged under the Penal Code’s provisions on unlawful assembly and face imprisonment.
