NAIROBI, Kenya— Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has announced a halt to the pre-publication process of the proposed Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025, following widespread public concern and calls for engagement from religious and civil society groups.
In a statement released Monday,Passaris emphasized the need for reflection and national dialogue.
She acknowledged the intervention of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which urged leaders to uphold constitutional freedoms while maintaining public order.
“I have decided to pause the pre-publication process of the Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025 to allow for national dialogue and wide public engagement,” said Passaris.
“This is an invitation to co-create legislation that safeguards constitutional freedoms while ensuring public order.”
Passaris thanked the NCCK for what she termed a “bold stance in defending civil liberties,” and called on religious leaders to promote a culture of peaceful protest and respectful civic engagement.
The proposed bill had sparked backlash, with critics warning it could undermine the right to peaceful assembly.
The bill sought to restrain the public from protesting qt certain locations including public instalations like parliament,government offices and police stations.
