Tight security in city over riot threats

Kenya: There was tension in Nairobi on Thursday as tens of police officers were mobilised to protect Parliament Buildings following threats by opposition to siege the area in protest against the proposed controversial security bill.

Groups of anti-riot police patrolled Nairobi streets in morning, dispersing any group of up to four people.

Roads near Parliament Buildings were blocked by armed police who turned away pedestrians.

Several people were arrested when a group of activists tried to break a cordon near the House.

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.

Along Ngong Road, police were called to disperse a group that tried to hold a protest there amid claims they were harassing and robbing motorists.

Downtown, there were more running battles when a group of hawkers defied an order to move from streets and confronted police and county askaris.

Tension remained high near Parliament Buildings as the debate went on.

A crowd surged forward at one point when Opposition leaders, led by senators Moses Wetang'ula, Johnstone Muthama, James Orengo and Boni Khalwale, emerged from Parliament Police Station where they had gone to protest threats and harassment.

This prompted brief running battles before some of those in the legislators' company were arrested.

Opposition and civil rights activists had said they would hold street protests to oppose the debate and passage of the proposed law

Parliament had been called for a special sitting on Thursday to debate the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2014. The contentious Bill was drafted in reaction to rising insecurity in the country.

Those opposing the bill say the presidency and the pro-security bill leaders were instilling 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 bill set the stage for political fireworks in the National Assembly.

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 envoys 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.