Photo: Capital FM

President Mwai Kibaki has assented to two crucial bills, including the Prevention of Terrorist Act 2012 which gives law enforcers more powers in fighting terrorism in the country.

A section of Muslim leaders have hit out at the proposed anti terrorism law describing it as draconian and called on the government to shelve debate to allow for public consultations. The leaders warned the proposed law was unnecessary because through its implementation many Kenyans may suffer and lead to desperation that may radicalise somje sections of the country.

They complained there was no public participation before the Bill was introduced in parliament as required by the constitution. The leaders said the Bill is a foreign agenda whose intention is to reverse the hard earned gains of fundamental freedoms and civic liberties provided by the new constitution.

Addressing a media briefing in Nairobi, the leaders said the Prevention of Terrorism Bill 2012, now in the Second Reading in the House, is unconstitutional and a drawback to the gains made in the country's democratic development. "We caution all Kenyans and parliament not to rush to pass the Bill because under the constitution there are provisions and legislations that are sufficient for the prevention of all manner crimes including terrorism offences," said the leaders.

The statement was read by former Mandera Central MP Billow Kerrow. Others at the press conference were Mandera West MP Mohamed Muhamoud who is also assistant minister for Energy, and his Mandera central counterpart Abdikdair Mohamed. The statement was signed by Kenya Council of Imams and Ulama, Young Muslim Association, Supkem, National Union of Kenya Muslims among others.

The leaders accused the state agencies of violating with the citizens' rights even after the promulgation of the new Constitution. "We have noted the increase in illegal arrest, torture and renditions, disappearances and killings of Muslims in Kenya," Kerrow said. They leaders cited the killings of Sheikh Aboud Rogo, Samir Hashim Khan, Mohammed Bakhit Kassim whose bodies were found in Tsavo National bodies as part of the state attack against the Muslims

Others are Sylvester Opiyo also known as Musa Osodo, Jacob Musyoka aka Yakub Musyoka also disappeared few weeks after Jeremiah Onyango Okumu aka Mohammed Jaffer and Stephen Mwanzia aka Salim Abbas. "The Muslim leaders is convinced that unless Kenya's state security are stopped and held accountable for their illegal actions, this country is at risk of degeneration into a rogue state."