Parliamentary Committee Reviews Bills on Public Protests and Stateless Persons’ Citizenship
She argued that the bill is necessary to address legal ambiguities that became evident during recent nationwide protests.
The Administration and Internal Security Committee reviews two legislative proposals to amend the Public Order Act and the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, addressing gaps in public safety and citizenship rights. Photo/Peoples Daily.
By Brian Kiprop
The Administration and Internal Security Committee has reviewed two legislative proposals seeking to amend the Public Order Act and the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, both aiming to address gaps in public safety and citizenship rights, respectively.
Esther Passaris of Nairobi defended her proposed amendment to the Public Order Act, Cap. 56, which seeks to establish designated zones for public meetings and processions. She argued that the bill is necessary to address legal ambiguities that became evident during recent nationwide protests.
“Drawing from the recent demonstrations, what we are witnessing borders on anarchy,” Passaris said. “This bill does not strip citizens of their rights; it seeks to protect them and their property.”
Article 37 of the Constitution and Section 5 of the Public Order Act currently govern the right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket. Members of the committee acknowledged the bill’s intent but expressed concern that restricting demonstrations to specific zones could undermine their effectiveness.
The committee urged Passaris to adjust the proposal to ensure that the constitutional rights of citizens remain intact.
In a separate session, the committee examined a proposal by Owen Baya of Kilifi North to amend the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, Cap. 170. The amendment seeks to remove the five-year time limit currently imposed on stateless persons applying for citizenship.
The bill proposes revising Section 15 to allow stateless individuals who have lived in Kenya for at least seven continuous years to apply for citizenship. It also introduces a new Section 15A to permit the registration of children born to stateless parents.
“A stateless person cannot hold an ID card, and without it, they cannot conduct business like an ordinary citizen,” Baya said. “This is an earnest plea to fast-track the bill so these individuals can finally enjoy their rights.”
Committee Chair Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo of Narok West assured Baya that the committee would address the bill’s ambiguities to prepare it for the next legislative stage.
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