Police patrol Nairobi streets ahead of security bill debate in Parliament

Security officers patrol Parliament Road in Nairobi CBD Thursday morning ahead of debate on security amendment bill. (Photo:Mbugua Kibera/Standard)

Nairobi, Kenya: Tens of police officers have been mobilised to protect Parliament Buildings in Nairobi following threats by opposition and activists to siege the area in protest against the proposed controversial National Security Bill 2014.

Police said they will not allow anyone to block roads in the area and have warned both motorists and pedestrians against venturing in the area Thursday afternoon or participate in the planned protests.

Anti-riot police patrolled Nairobi streets Thursday morning and dispersed any group of up to four people. Witnesses say they saw police arrest three men near the Tom Mboya statue along Moi Avenue.

“Security is tight and we discourage those planning chaos against doing so. We have enough personnel,” said a senior police officer. Opposition leaders and civil rights activists had said they would hold street protests to oppose the debate and passage of the proposed law.

The Bill is generally punitive and was drafted in reaction to rising insecurity in the country, which many believe was misplaced.

Those opposing the bill say the presidency and the pro-security bill leaders are inflicting fear on citizens in its lobbying towards the passage of “unconstitutional laws”.

The failure by MPs in Jubilee and CORD to strike a consensus on the draconian Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014 has set the stage for political fireworks in the National Assembly Thursday.

This came as the ambassadors of nine countries released a statement urging the two rival parties to strike a consensus on the contentious bill to ensure “full respect for human rights and the rule of law”.

The nine represent Britain, US, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, France and Sweden.

“It is important that the legislation, while strengthening security, respects human rights and international obligations. Protecting Kenya's constitution and upholding civil liberties and democracy are among the most effective ways to bolster security,” they said in the statement.

They urged the country's leaders to build trust between security agencies to allow broader sharing of information and between the agencies and the public.