Photo: Lauren Everitt/AllAfrica

Mosque in Nairobi: Muslim leaders have vowed to oppose an anti-terror bill unless certain amendments are made to safeguard human rights.

A group of Muslim youths have vowed not to reject the Terrorism Prevention Bill 2012 even if amendments are made to the current provisions. Speaking at Jamia Mosque Nairobi after Friday's prayers, Muslim Youth Voters League, and Mombasa Muslim Youths backed and the Council of Imams and Preachers in Kenya, North Eastern branch, said the Bill as prepared is out to "intimidate Muslims".

"Whether it is amended or not, we Muslims will not accept it. The Bill in its design is out to victimise Muslims and brand us all as terrorists. Muslims are peace lovers. Islam abhors senseless killings like the ones we are witnessing today, and as Muslim youths, we condemn those out to bomb others," Abu Qatada Salim said. "Although we are also suffering when the terrorists strike because the attacks don't select, but this cannot be a reason why we should sell our sovereignty in the name of anti-terrorism Bill. Passage of this Bill will add to pains Muslims go through today, when they are rounded up and renditioned to tramped up charges."

Sheikh Hassan Amedi, the CIPK representative, said the proposed Bill, apart from creating prejudices against Muslims, is culpable of bringing interfaith animosity. "All the crimes pertaining terrorism can be well addressed under the new constitution. We see it as mischief to introduce other punitive laws which seemingly target people of a certain faith and origin," he said.

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