ODM mulls court action over draft law

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders in Nyanza region have threatened to move to court should Parliament pass the controversial Security Laws (Amendment) Bill.

The House last week debated the draft law, with Jubilee members who rallied its 93 members against the Opposition's 45 to ensure the Bill sailed through to the Third Reading, taking it closer to allow the legislation to go forward for a final phase of the legislative process.

The Opposition and civil society groups argue the proposals in the security laws, if passed, would be tantamount to suspending Kenya's Bill of Rights and could return the country back to the dark ages of dictatorship.

The Government, however, insists the law is meant to fill the gaps in the current law that impede the Government's efforts to fix insecurity.

Fred Outa (Nyando), Shakeel Shabbir (Kisumu East) and Rose Nyamunga (Kisumu Woman Representative) said in a statement they are looking into pressing for legal action since they are outnumbered in Parliament.

"We are ready to debate the new proposals and give recommendations on necessary amendments. Should we fail to push through, we will take the matter to court. We are also contemplating a peaceful demonstration," said Shabir.

He exuded doubt that amendments to controversial clauses would yield any results, claiming Jubilee could use their tyranny of numbers in Parliament to overturn their (Opposition's) recommendations.

Outa claimed the proposed law was hurriedly brought to Parliament and was in bad taste, saying police had enough powers to fight insecurity.

Nyamunga challenged the Government to work towards addressing insecurity, tribalism and corruption and urged the people to reject the bill.