Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has strongly opposed a proposed law seeking to restrict public demonstrations near Parliament and other sensitive locations, calling it a step backward for democracy.

The bill, introduced by Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, aims to amend the Public Order Act (Cap. 56) by setting specific zones where protests and public meetings can be held.

It recommends that no demonstrations should take place within 100 meters of Parliament, protected government areas, or court premises.

In a statement released on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Kilonzo criticized the proposal, arguing that such public institutions should remain accessible to the people.

“This attempt to curtail protests is backward. Public institutions are not sacred altars,” he said. “In countries like Australia, the Senate sits beneath a public park, and in Germany, citizens can look into the Bundestag through a glass dome.”

The proposed amendments also empower the Interior Cabinet Secretary, in coordination with county governments, to designate where protests can occur and to outline zones where public gatherings will be banned.

Violating the proposed rules could lead to a fine of up to KSh 100,000, a jail term of up to three months, or both, according to the draft.

The current Public Order Act requires organizers to notify police at least three days before holding public gatherings and to provide detailed information including the names of organizers, times (between 6 am and 6 pm), and locations.

The legislative push comes after youth-led protests on June 25, 2025, where demonstrators threatened to march to State House in honor of victims of last year’s anti-government demonstrations that saw Parliament briefly overrun.

In response, authorities fortified Parliament with razor wire and heightened security around key government buildings.