Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris denied claims that she acted on behalf of the government in sponsoring a bill to regulate public protests.
The legislator clarified that her decision stemmed from intense demonstrations witnessed in mid-2024, particularly around the parliamentary precincts.
She explained that the situation had escalated to a level she believed endangered public safety.
The protests, largely led by young citizens, unfolded across major streets of Nairobi during June 2024.
Thousands gathered to express their dissatisfaction with various national policies.
The gatherings occasionally turned disorderly, with reports of property destruction and traffic disruptions. Passaris began working on the bill shortly after these events.
She submitted the Public Order Bill as a private member, a detail that positioned her as the sole architect behind the proposal.
The bill gained public attention in early July 2025 after widespread debate on social media.
By that time, the public had already speculated about possible executive influence in its creation.
Passaris responded by stating that the President had not been involved in its drafting process.
She asserted that the bill was publicly accessible and not developed in secrecy.
According to her, the head of state learned about the proposal in the same manner as most citizens—through online platforms.
Her move elicited mixed reactions from members of her own party and civil society groups.
Some questioned her motives while others viewed the action as timely, given recent trends in youth-led protests.
The situation sparked ongoing debate regarding individual legislative autonomy and executive oversight.
As the proposal continued to attract public attention, discussions remained focused on its potential impact and legal standing.
By Nairobi