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New Bill sets no-go zones for protesters

Members of the public give their opinions and recommendations on proposed amendments to security laws before the National Security Committee, chaired by Asman Kamama on December 10, 2014 at the County Hall. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE

By  NATION REPORTER

What you need to know:

  • Mr John Kiptoo, who is the President of Bunge la Mwananchi, told the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Administration that there was a need for a clear policy on how to engage former security officers to help in combating crime.
  • Kenyans, who turned out for the public hearings at County Hall, Nairobi, Wednesday commended the government decision to re-look the country’s laws touching on security to find a solution to the increased terrorist attacks.

Some areas would be out of bound for protesters if a proposed legislation before Parliament becomes law.

The Security Laws (Amendment) Bill gives Interior Cabinet Secretary powers to designate areas and the time at which public meetings, gatherings or public processions may be held.

The Bill is viewed as an intervention to tackle the upsurge of insecurity, particularly the Al-Shabaab-engineered terrorist attacks that have threatened the country’s stability and scared off tourists.

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Kenyans, who turned out for the public hearings at County Hall, Nairobi, Wednesday commended the government decision to re-look the country’s laws touching on security to find a solution to the increased terrorist attacks.

However, some felt that provisions that go against the Constitution should be reviewed to avoid a situation where the rights of Kenyans are ignored in the guise of fighting crime.

“Giving the government powers to decide where a demonstration can be held is suicidal. What if they say go and do it 25 kilometres from the Central Business area. You will not attract the attention from those you are targeting,” Mr Derrick Otieno told the Nation.

FORMER SECURITY OFFICERS

Mr John Kiptoo, who is the President of Bunge la Mwananchi, told the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Administration that there was a need for a clear policy on how to engage former security officers to help in combating crime.

“If they are not engaged, they risk being recruited into terrorism due to their experience in handling weapons. Insecurity is rampant in areas where we have these officers,” he said.

Ms Cecilia Karanjaof Fertility Kenya said the stiffer penalties on those who undermine the constitutional rights of women by stripping them in public was a timely move.