President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday told off the opposition and civil society groups who reject proposed sweeping anti-terrorism laws and insisted they are good and necessary.
“No freedom is being curtailed unless you are a terrorist yourself. When dealing with security, let us put politics aside. Security is not a matter for Jubilee alone,” the visibly angry President said in an address from the Nyayo National Stadium during the 51st Jamhuri Day celebrations.
“If you have any problem in any way with the law, say it with respect and humility. Personal attacks are not part of the efforts to fight insecurity,” he said in a nationwide address.
The opposition has vowed to go to court if Parliament enacts proposed amendments to 34 Acts of Parliament. Among other things, the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill would give NIS officers greater powers to arrest and detain terror suspects for long periods. It would would allow police to listen to personal communications without a court order and bar the media from reporting on matters under investigation relating to security.
There was drama in Parliament on Thursday, as opposition MP Fred Outa from Nyando and Wajir South’s Mohammed Diriye tried to grab the Mace in an attempt to stop debate on the bill.
Nonetheless, it sailed through the Second Reading. It could be passed next week in a special sitting.
“Hii ingine ni utoto na ujinga na ndio adui wa nchi yetu. This is childish. Stupidity is our country’s enemy,” Uhuru said.
“We want this law. If Parliament throws it out, it’s up to them. We shall have done our part,” he declared in the presence of Presidents from Uganda (Yoweri Museveni), Rwanda (Paul Kagame) and Ghana (John Dramani Mahama).
The President said there was nothing draconian about the security amendments, contrary to claims from the opposition and civil society.
“An international war is happening in and outside Kenya’s borders. We are also confronting highly trained and dangerously armed combatants embedded in our communities.
“These are no ordinary times, nor ordinary challenges. Our security apparatus must be effective in managing the emerging security paradigm,” he said.
Uhuru officiated at the second Jamhuri Day since he was sworn in and the first since crimes against humanity charges against him were withdrawn at the ICC.
He took a swipe at the Hague-based court, accusing it of impeding the country’s reconciliation efforts.
“I am convinced that the International Criminal Court is a real threat to our country’s hope for reconciliation and lasting national stability. It offers no clear promise of justice for the victims of (2008-08) post-election violence, which traumatized this country a few years ago,” Uhuru said.
He expressed optimism that the similar cases facing Deputy President William Ruto and his co-accused Joshua Sang’ will be thrown out, adding that his government was committed to helping victims resume normal life
President Kenyatta criticised the Kenyan media for frequently carrying images of Kenyans hurt or killed by terrorists.
“The media promised they will not publish such images but they have not kept their promise. If they cannot control themselves, the law will be used to stop them. Carrying such images causes pain for Kenyans and makes the enemy celebrate,” he said.
Referring to the disruption in Parliament on Thursday, he also criticised some lawmakers for acting irresponsibly, while claiming to oppose amendments to the security laws.
“If you have any concerns about the laws, raise them in Parliament in a mature and sober manner. It does not help anyone when you act in a childish manner trying to disrupt Parliament,” the President said.
The President said anyone who objects to the amendment should follow the example of the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution, which raised some concerns using proper channels, and whose concerns have been submitted to Parliament.
Speaking of development, Uhuru said all public primary schools will be connected to power by April 2015, ahead of the free laptop project. He said his government would ensure free secondary education becomes a reality.
Kenyatta assured Kenyans the Jubilee Government will continue giving extra support and funding to devolution, which has reinvigorated the economy in every part of Kenya.
The Government appreciates that devolution is a vehicle for national transformation and shared prosperity, he said.
“Since our focus was successful service delivery by devolved units, we further enhanced the allocation to 43 percent. We are presently working hard to take the allocation to 45 percent of the budget,” the President said.
Courtesy www.the-star.co.ke