Proposed changes are regressive, global rights groups now declare

Amnesty International Regional Director Muthoni Wanyeki. FILE PHOTO |

What you need to know:

  • This follows increased terrorist attacks on civilians in Kenyan after which the government was criticised of laxity. The Opposition is also opposed to the changes.
  • HRW and Amnesty International Sunday charged that the proposed changes in fact should have been through a referendum because they touch on the Bill of Rights.

Kenya should focus on enacting laws that will make security agencies more effective in dealing with insecurity.

Global rights groups, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have urged MPs to reject proposed changes to the controversial Security Laws (Amendments) Bill 2014.
The two yesterday noted that the amendments will only limit freedoms of civilians.

“The changes are retrogressive and their cumulative effect could return Kenya to the police state of the 1980s and 90s and reverse gains made in protecting human rights,” Amnesty International Regional Director Muthoni Wanyeki said.

“Parliament should reject the amendments as they violate the Constitution. What we need is how to make the police and the military more effective and accountable,” she said.
Human Rights Watch Deputy Africa Director Leslie Lefkow said the suggested changes had been hastily drawn up and gave little time for the public to contribute.
“They are limiting civil liberties protected in the Kenyan Constitution and should therefore be shelved,” she said.

“Kenyan security agencies have for a long time violated human rights with impunity and authorities not empowering them to further these abuses,” Ms Lefkow argued.
The amendment was brought before Parliament last week and quickly through the Second Reading.

TERROR ATTACKS

This follows increased terrorist attacks on civilians in Kenyan after which the government was criticised of laxity. The Opposition is also opposed to the changes.

Although it contains both positive and negative proposals to tame terrorists, human rights organisations and opposition politicians have taken issue with suggestions to tap telephone communications, limit the media on what photos to publish as well as give intelligence gatherers a free hand in searching suspected terrorist sympathisers.

HRW and Amnesty International Sunday charged that the proposed changes in fact should have been through a referendum because they touch on the Bill of Rights.

According to the Constitution, any changes to the Bill or Rights must be through a public vote.

But these amendments have been termed as ‘minor’ and hence the government argues the lengthy procedure of calling for a referendum is not needed.
On Friday though, President Uhuru Kenyatta argued the contentious clauses should addressed by channeling suggestions through Parliament rather than the streets.