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Nairobi woman representative Esther Passaris has halted the pre-publication process of the contentious Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025, following growing public concern and calls for dialogue.
The State, through parliament had once more come up with a contentious Bill to control when, how and where the public should hold demonstrations.
However, an announcement, made on Saba Saba Day—a historic date in Kenya’s fight for democratic freedoms— has paused the proposed law.
Nairobi Woman representative said this comes in response to pressure from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and other civil society groups warning that the proposed amendments could erode constitutional rights.
In a statement marking the national day of reflection, Passaris she calls for inclusive consultation before proceeding with the legislation, describing the pause as “an invitation to co-create legislation that safeguards constitutional freedoms while ensuring public order.”“I thank the NCCK for its bold stance in defending civil liberties,” the statement read, while also challenging religious institutions to play a more active role in promoting peaceful protest and respectful public discourse.
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The bill, which had drawn criticism for potentially limiting the right to assembly and peaceful protest, will now undergo further scrutiny through public engagement.
“As we honour the spirit of Saba Saba, let us move forward not in anger, but in shared accountability,” the statement added, calling for a shift from confrontation to collaboration in shaping Kenya’s democratic future.The decision marks a significant victory for rights groups and signals a more conciliatory tone from the government amid heightened public concern over civic space.
