President Uhuru Kenyatta talks tough on security

President Uhuru Kenyatta lashed out at opposition threats to hold countrywide demonstrations against proposed new laws to rein in runaway insecurity, saying such an action was tantamount to compromising territorial integrity.

In barbs that were clearly aimed at Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) co-principals Raila Odinga and Moses Wetang'ula, who attended yesterday's Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium, he said he opted for legal instruments after common sense failed to ensure law and order. He accused the opposition of politicising insecurity.

This was the first time Raila was attending a national event with president since last year's contested presidential poll outcome. Later, the opposition joined the president at the Garden Party at State House.

The president acknowledged that insecurity has been a major contributor to slow economic growth and high cost of living. In his off-the-cuff remarks at the end of his written speech, the president tore into the opposition and dared it to go ahead with plans to demonstrate against the new laws. 

In a direct reference to events in Parliament on Thursday when two opposition MPs attempted to spirit the mace; a symbol of authority, he said it was inappropriate and irresponsible for leaders to resort unorthodox means to achieve their objectives.

On Thursday Nyando MP Fred Outa was wrestled to the ground by orderlies when he attempted to grab and sneak away with the mace, which, had he succeeded would have stalled debate on Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014.

"We have come up with this law...We need that law and if Parliament decides not to pass this law it will be their own problem. If you have issues with steps being taken by government in dealing with terrorism, use relevant institutions instead of engaging in sideshows," Uhuru said in Kiswsahili.

The president made the remarks just days after CORD threatened mass action to oppose the proposed laws, which they termed as an infringement on people's democratic and fundamental rights.

A visibly agitated president asked those with reservations on the Bill to direct their views to Parliament and other relevant institutions.

The anti-terror law that went through the second reading on Thursday, seeks to amend 21 pieces of legislation and consequently introduce new laws that will change the way the Executive responds to security.

The law, like the United States of America (USA) Patriot Act, contemplates indefinite detention, phone-tapping or interception of communication at will by the spy agency and prohibition of publishing terror victim's pictures among others.

A tough-talking Kenyatta said parts of the Bill are meant to beef up security adding that countering terrorism require support for the country.

"No freedom has been curtailed through the proposed amendment of the security law; what we are against is, for instance, the publication of images of terror victims by the media. It is not right; it offers strength to our enemies," he said.

"If you are a security officer and you give out your firearm to be used to carry out criminal activities then why can't we send you to jail...or if you own an illegal firearm and we send you to jail, where is the problem? "he posed.

He added: "It is wrong to put pictures of people killed on the front page of a newspaper. What this means is that terrorists use it as a success. That is why this law must be there to prevent you from causing suffering to our own Kenyans while satisfying terrorists."

The head of state, in his speech read across the 47 counties, urged the international community to support Kenya in tackling terrorism where possible adding that the rising wave of insecurity has both local and international implications.

"Kenya is fighting a proxy war and we expect solidarity, robust engagement to confront twin challenges of internal and external terrorism," he said.

The event that was marked amid pomp and color was attended by President John Mahama of Ghana, Rwanda's Paul Kagame and Uganda's Yoweri Museveni.

Right from the setup, the whole program was championed by the military as the country displayed its prowess and military might from the skies. The message was clear that the country needed an enhanced security system.

The president acknowledged: "These are no ordinary times, nor ordinary challenges. Our security apparatus must be effective in managing the emerging security paradigm."

Museveni, in his remarks, criticised the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its handling of Uhuru's as well as Deputy President William Ruto's case amid calls of mass withdrawal of African state parties from the Rome Statute.

President Kenyatta similarly dismissed the ICC saying it does not add value to Kenya's development agenda but noted that his administration will seek justice for the Post Election victims.

Deputy President William Ruto expressed confidence that his case as well as that of his co-accused Joshua Sang shall collapse.
And as the country celebrated 51 years of independence, President Kenyatta reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his pledge for Kenyans.

Also present were Vice presidents of South Sudan James Wani, Mohamed Ali Soilih of Comoros and the Algerian Parliament Speaker Mohamed Larbi Khelifa among several dignitaries.