Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has presented a bill that seeks to bar protests near the Parliament and other protected areas.

The Public Order Amendment Bill 225, which has been proposed by Passaris, proposes changes to the Public Order Act to address public meetings and processions.

In a statement seen by if the bill is passed, people shall not be allowed within a radius of 100 metres from the Parliament under the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act.

The bill further proposes strict consequences, including conviction or payment of a fine for any person who breaks the law.

"A person who contravenes the provisions of this section commits an offence and shall on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both," the statement read in part.

The bill has also stated that protected areas and a building in which a courtroom is situated should also be out of bounds for protesting individuals.

The politicians' bill further gave Cabinet secretaries to designate assembly and demonstration zones in the capital city and other urban areas,

"The Cabinet Secretary may, by notice in the Gazette and upon consultation with the county governments, designate assembly and demonstration zones in the capital city, cities and urban areas," the statement further read.

The Public Order Act further controls public processions, requiring the protesting group to notify the police of the plans to demonstrate three days before the event.

Speaking before the National Assembly, Passaris stated that there was a need to ensure that the enjoyment of rights by one person does not prejudice the rights and fundamental freedoms of others.

"Why is the amendment necessary? We are all aware of what has unfolded in the recent past. Supermarkets looted, police station and court buildings set on fire, police officers injured. Public calls to invade Parliament and State House have been circulating. These are not peaceful protests, they are coordinated attacks on public order," Passaris said.

Source: TUKO.co.ke