Bunge la Wananchi Demands Nationwide Public Participation on Tobacco Amendment Bill

Members of Bunge la Wananchi have called for nationwide public participation on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, saying the proposed law affects many Kenyans and should be discussed more widely before Parliament makes a decision.

The group, an informal citizens’ assembly that discusses national issues, criticised Parliament’s decision to hold a public hearing on the bill on June 25, 2026.

According to the members, the date coincides with planned nationwide demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests, during which several young people were killed and many others injured in clashes with police.

Bunge la Wananchi Wants Hearing Postponed

Speaking during a meeting at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi, the group urged Members of Parliament to postpone the public participation exercise and set a new date to allow more Kenyans to participate in the discussions.

Also Read: More Stakeholders Join Debate Over Controversial Tobacco Amendment Bill

The members argued that holding the exercise on the same day as the planned demonstrations could limit public involvement in a matter they described as being of national importance.

“We humbly ask the National Assembly to ensure that public participation on the Tobacco Control Amendment Bill does not happen on that day and instead be moved to a more favourable date that will allow wananchi to participate fully,” one of the speakers said.

The group said the bill should be discussed widely to balance public health concerns with the interests of small businesses, manufacturers, and producers who may be affected by the proposed changes.

Another speaker warned that attendance at the public participation meeting could be affected by the planned demonstrations, making it difficult for Parliament to gather views from all stakeholders.

What the Tobacco Amendment Bill Proposes

The call comes days after Parliament invited stakeholders and members of the public to submit their views on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill. Written memoranda are expected to be submitted by June 24, before appearances before the relevant parliamentary committee.

Also Read: Shock as Parliament Schedules Controversial Tobacco Bill Hearing on Gen Z Memorial Day

The committee said the exercise is part of the constitutional requirement for public participation under Article 118 of the Constitution.

The proposed law has sparked debate among health groups, tobacco manufacturers, and industry players.

Among the changes proposed in the bill are regulations on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, a ban on online sales of tobacco products, restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and mandatory registration of tobacco dealers with the Ministry of Health.

The bill also proposes tough penalties for offenders. Anyone found manufacturing, importing or selling unapproved tobacco products could face a fine of up to Ksh 1 million or five per cent of their annual turnover, whichever is higher, or a jail term of up to two years.

Those selling tobacco products online could face a fine of up to Ksh 500,000 or imprisonment for up to three years.

Businesses operating without registration from the Ministry of Health risk fines of up to Ksh 3 million or a three-year jail term, while manufacturers or sellers using prohibited single-use plastics could face fines of up to Ksh 10 million or imprisonment for up to five years.

Ruto Warns Against Violence During June 25 Protests

Meanwhile, President William Ruto on Friday, June 19, warned against violence, destruction of property and disruption of normal activities ahead of the planned June 25 anniversary protests.

Speaking during the National Productivity and Performance Conference at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, the President said Kenyans have a constitutional right to demonstrate and petition the government, but stressed that the right should not interfere with the rights of others, including children attending school, employees going to work, and businesses operating normally.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

Members of parliament in session. PHOTO/Parliament