Roots Party’s former presidential running mate, Justina Wamae, has launched a blistering attack on Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris over her proposed amendment to the Public Order Act.
The bill, which seeks to restrict protests near key government institutions, has stirred intense public debate.
In a statement shared on her official X account on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Wamae accused Passaris of attempting to undermine constitutional rights enshrined under Article 37.
This Article gives every Kenyan the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities, as long as the demonstrations are peaceful and unarmed.
“Esther Passaris’ proposed amendment of the law to restrict public protests near key government installations contravenes Article 37, which states that protesters should take their memorandum to public offices,” Wamae said.
Adding;
“It should read instead that protesters should not protest near private installations; that way, it makes more sense.”
Passaris controversial Bill
The controversial Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to ban public gatherings and demonstrations within a 100-meter radius of sensitive government institutions such as Parliament, courts, State House, and other designated protected areas.
Esther Passaris has defended the bill, stating that it is intended to safeguard democracy and ensure public safety.
“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 explained.
According to Passaris, the bill also proposes that the Interior Cabinet Secretary be granted the power to designate specific demonstration zones in cities and 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,” she said.
She pointed to recent protests that turned chaotic as part of the reason for the proposed law.
“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,” she stated.
The proposed law further introduces a fine of Ksh100,000 for anyone found violating the new protest restrictions.
