MPs back Passaris’ proposal to restrict protest zones

Members of the national security committee have welcomed proposals by Nairobi Woman MP Esther Passaris to contain protests.

"The whole idea of the Bill is to protect the pillars of our democracy. You have to have a certain area where you can’t reach as a demonstrator, and you have to respect that," she said.

The bill aims to establish a 100-meter radius around Parliament, the State House, courts, and other designated protected areas, within which protests will be prohibited.

It also seeks to give the Interior CS the power to designate demonstration zones in cities or urban areas.

“The rationale of the bill follows the safety of our people and safeguarding institutions. Rights must be exercised peacefully and unarmed. There is a need to ensure that the rights of other individuals are not prejudiced,” Passaris said.

“In recent protests, supermarkets were looted, women raped, people terrorised. Rogue actors turned rights into ruin. This Bill is a direct response to the crisis.”

The proposed amendment to the Public Order Act sets a fine of Sh100,000 for persons who violate the proposed law.

The legislative proposal follows last week's protests that left scores dead and property running into millions destroyed.

The Narok West MP, Gabriel Tongoyo-led team said it would review the bill to improve it.

Mandera East MP Hussein Weytan welcomed the proposal saying there is need to manage protests in the nation to instil peaceful processions.

"Nobody is safe. Anytime people can come to Parliament, go to State House, go to police stations," he said.

Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma said the Bill is objective but will need a few iterations to address critical specifics that guide protests in Kenya.

"It is very objective, it is very timely...this thing should be redrafted to specify its intentions specifically to limit the rights in a very conclusive way," he said.

"That law should also define what matters we should assemble, do you need to petition. For instance, what we were dealing with last Wednesday, they wanted compensation for the children we lost last year during the demonstrations. Is that a matter of petition in court or a matter of demonstration?"