Kenya: Emotions ran high in the National Assembly yesterday, as members debated the the controversial Security Laws (Amendment) Bill.

Jubilee rallied its 93 members to ensure the bill sailed through to the third reading, and there wasn’t much the 45 Opposition legislators could do to stop it. Some MPs were seen trying to grab the mace - sign of parliamentary authority - shortly before voting began.

Committee on National Security and Administration Chairman Asman Kamama defended the introduction of the bill, saying it will help fill some gaps in the current law that impede the Government’s effort to fix insecurity.

“Mr Speaker, these are extra-ordinary times and they require extra-ordinary decisions,” Mr Kamama said.

Religious dichotomy

He continued: “This bill intends to bring order and security in this country. In fact, it should have been baptised Salama (safety) Bill, and I urge this House to pass these amendments and give the executive tools to handle security matters.”

Majority Leader Aden Duale said passage of the bill will provide a mechanism where Kenyans are assured of their security and the blame game will stop.

“By allowing the President powers to hire the Inspector General of Police and remove the National Intelligence Service Director, we will end the chorus of the buck stops with the President, yet he can’t direct these officers,” said Mr Duale.

Legal Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel Chepkonga said: “This is not about CORD or Jubilee but bringing laws that protect Kenyans. No one should intimidate us by saying this bill is unconstitutional. This bill has some good laws and we must support it to save the lives of Kenyans and stop the religious dichotomy we are being driven to.”

“This is mischief Mr Speaker. You cannot tell me that the cabinet secretary designating the time and place where a public rally can be held will stop the killing of people working in a quarry in Mandera. This law is taking us back to the dark days,” John Mbadi (Suba) said.

Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau said the Government does not have teeth.

“It’s only this House that can give the Executive teeth to bite. Both CORD and Jubilee must fight together to end this menace of terrorism,” he said.

Police state

Wundanyi MP Opiyo Wandayi accused the Government of deliberately weakening the National Police Service Commission. He further alleged that Jubilee setup outgoing Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo to fail.

“The overall intention is to transform the country into a police state. Even a new born baby knows Kimaiyo was sacked to pave way for the appointment of a politically correct inspector general,” Wandayi said.

Kipiriri MP Samuel Gichigi said CORD recently called for dialogue on insecurity, “yet when proposals are brought they are opposed to them”.

During the morning session, the introduction of the bill was shelved by temporary speaker TJ Kajwang after several MPs raised objections over its legality.

MPs Junet Mohamed, Ababu Namwamba, John Mbadi, Rachel Shebesh, Eseli Simiyu and John Waiganjo said the introduction of the bill violated parliamentary procedures and contained unconstitutional provisions.