Following the passing of draconian security laws in Kenya, the opposition has taken things a step further to get to the courts.
The Coalition of Reforms and Democracy (CORD) will this morning be presenting a petition against the parliament’s move to pass draconian laws. The draconian laws in regard to security were passed by the legislative house amidst chaos and brawl. In the petition that was drafted by lawyers allied to the coalition and human rights groups, the coalition is pleading with the judicature to bar and stall the execution of the law citing the fact that it impinges on the rights and exaptation of the citizens.
The opposition’s legal team, which comprises of over thirty qualified lawyers and advocates led by senior counsel Hon. Senator James Orengo, will today get to the Milimani court at 9:00 a.m. Kenyan time. The law indeed wasn’t acted upon in good faith and is possibly a tool which the ruling Jubilee coalition can use to kill political dissent in the country. The bill that president Uhuru signed into law last week has issued more powers to the National Intelligence Service that could possibly bring back the horrific Moi era, which witnessed the abuse of power by the intelligence agency. In all likelihood, the laws could bring to the fore the application of impunity to prevail on the opposition.
The amendment, which was hastily passed in a disorderly parliamentary session as well, imparts the executive much power to manipulate what the media puts out. The media proprietors have as well come strongly to contradict the legal philosophy which they say will obstruct the freedom of the press.
In a deep rejoinder to the topic at hand, the US State Department in its affirmation stated its disappointment in the way the bill was covered. The department said that, “We are disappointed, yet, by the very restricted time permitted for debate and audience on the 2014 Security Laws Amendment Bill anterior to its enactment and passage into law.” The Department as well held that they are worried about the very many provisions in the security law legislation, which include those that feature to restrict the freedom of communication and media, and access to asylum seekers and refugees.”
Nevertheless, in a quick response, the PSCU said in their assertion, “The law is of great importance to Kenya and Kenyans. The State House Communication Unit went ahead to hold that the law is of great importance to Kenyans. The PSCU stated that the Security law is similar to the Patriot Act and the Homeland Security Act which have helped Americans.”
Despite the opposition’s move to get to the court, Kenyans have cast uncertainty on the success of the petition in the courts. Many Kenyans think that the tribunals may not practice their independence as required but instead will follow orders from the Statehouse. The opposition’s move is also viewed in terms of a fierce legal battles between the ruling coalition and itself. The former prime minister, who is also the coalition’s chief principal, has sent a warning message to the President and told him to be ready for a fierce battle in regards to the draconian bill. The move is anticipated to dwarf the chaotic scenes that decorated the passing of the bill. Hon Raila Odinga as well stated that the opposition will not be intimidated until they save Kenyans from the wrath of the new law.
Analysis by Morris Cerullo
this law needs an amendments and referandum