President Uhuru Kenyatta due to sign in a
controversial "anti-terror" law that has come
under sharp criticism.
The legislation is an attempt by the
government to confront the Somali based
group, al-Shabab [AFP]
Kenyan politicians voted through a contested
"anti-terror" bill amid chaotic scenes in
parliament and a brawl between opposition
and government MPs.
The new law passed on Thursday gives
authorities sweeping powers to crack down on
"terror suspects" and curtail press freedoms.
President Uhuru Kenyatta was due to sign the
law in effect on Friday before an address to
the nation.
The law has however also come under
criticism by human rights groups and nine
western countries for its alleged infringement
of democratic freedoms.
The United States, Britain, Germany and
France warned of the law's impact on
Wednesday, in a rare collective statement.
"It is important that the legislation, while
strengthening security, respects human rights
and international obligations," they said.
"Protecting Kenya's constitution and
upholding civil liberties and democracy are
among the most effective ways to bolster
security," the statement said.
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