Parliament Passes Controversial Security Bill
Ugly scenes dominated the special seating of the national assembly as members delved in to the security laws amendment bill of 2014. The government has said the bill is a perfect legal ammunition in dealing with the threat of terrorism in the country
Despite the unruly conduct of the law makers, the August house passed the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014 and its now waiting for presidential assent and gazettement to become law
The Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014 radically amends the prevention of terrorism act and proposes that anybody who advocates, promotes or facilitates acts of terrorism is liable to a jail term of 20 years. The bill also proposes that anybody who is found in possession of weapons for purposes of terrorism will be will serve a jail term of 25 years.
The Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014 also extends criminal responsibility to anyone managing a premise or institution where explosives are recovered. Such person risks a jail term of not less than 30 years.
The house deleted a proposed amendment to the public order act that sought to give the cabinet secretary in charge of national security power to gazette designated areas where public meetings, gatherings or public processions may be held. This was seen as a violation of the constitutional guaranteed freedom of expression and right to picket.
The house also deleted a proposed amendment in the rent restrictions act that sought to direct all landlords to keep records of their tenants and submit them to security officers on demand. However, all hotels will have to keep record of their guests and submit them to the nearest police station every week
Most of the terror attacks in Kenya have been committed by foreigners who sneak in to the country using fraudulently acquired identification documents. With the passage of the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014, any public officer who aids or facilitates the entry of a criminal in to the country risks going to jail for 15 years. The director of immigration will also have powers to revoke and cancel any documents acquired fraudulently or illegally.
According to the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014 the noose also gets tighter for any person who publishes or distributes graphic and gory content especially on social media. A person who publishes or causes to be published or distributes obscene, gory or offensive material which is likely to cause fear and alarm to the general public is liable to a Sh 5 million fine.
Those who strip persons who they deem indecently dressed will also be in trouble thanks to the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014. The bill proposes a 10 year jail term for those found guilty.
The bill is likely to be forwarded to president Uhuru Kenyatta today for his assent
