Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has criticised the proposed anti-demonstration bill, calling it retrogressive and a threat to democratic freedoms.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mutula argued that public institutions, including Parliament, should remain accessible spaces and not be shielded from citizen engagement or protest.
"The anti-demos bill is retrogressive. Parliament and other public spaces are not hallowed grounds," he said.
To support his argument, Mutula cited global examples that emphasise openness in governance.
“In Australia, the Senate is under a park. In Germany, the roof of the Bundestag is a glass dome for the public to peek!" he noted, referencing architectural choices that symbolise transparency and public inclusion in government processes.
Mutula’s remarks contribute to the growing opposition against the bill, which aims to restrict protests near key government institutions.
Critics argue it would limit the public's right to peaceful assembly, a right protected under the Constitution 2010.
The Bill by Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris is seeking to block all public gatherings near Parliament, courtrooms, and protected areas, in what is shaping up to be a fresh push to tighten how Kenyans hold demonstrations.
The Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes a 100-metre no-protest zone around critical national institutions.
It seeks to revise the current Public Order Act to give the cabinet secretary the power to designate specific assembly and demonstration zones in consultation with county governments.
“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.
It also introduces new penalties for anyone who defies the restrictions.
“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 (Sh100,000) or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both,” the proposal reads.
The current Public Order Act already requires organizers to notify the police at least three days in advance of any meeting or procession, including details such as names, locations, dates, and times.
The proposed amendment expands on these requirements by introducing specific geographical restrictions on where such events can take place.
It also grants the CS the power to designate official protest zones, effectively allowing the government to direct public gatherings away from sensitive areas and key government installations.
