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Foreign missions urge prudence over terror law

In a statement signed by Ambassadors and High commissioners from nine countries, the missions urged members of the National Assembly to carefully review the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014 to ensure that it respects human rights and international obligations/FILE

In a statement signed by Ambassadors and High commissioners from nine countries, the missions urged members of the National Assembly to carefully review the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014 to ensure that it respects human rights and international obligations/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 18 – A host of joint missions including the United States and the United Kingdom have supported the government’s move to review the country’s security laws promising to help in the fight against terrorism.

In a statement signed by Ambassadors and High commissioners from nine countries, the missions urged members of the National Assembly to carefully review the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014 to ensure that it respects human rights and international obligations.

“We welcome the effort by the Government of Kenya to revise and update the country’s security legislation. We encourage Kenya’s elected officials to take the time to review carefully the Bill now before the National Assembly and to consult broadly to build consensus–protecting Kenya’s Constitution and upholding civil liberties and democracy are among the most effective ways to bolster security,” read part of the statement.

They also reiterated their commitment to working with the Government and people of Kenya to meet this country’s challenges, including those related to security urging the government to consult further on other ways they bolster the security docket.

“We also urge Kenya to continue implementing broader reforms to strengthen its security services, including their ability to collaborate across agency lines and carry out operations with full respect for human rights and the rule of law. Building trust between communities and the security services is also critical,” stated the statement.

The undersigned in the statement include; Ambassador of the United States to Kenya Robert F. Godec, High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Kenya Dr. Christian Turner, High Commissioner of Australia to Kenya Geoff Tooth, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kenya Joost Reintjes, Ambassador of Germany to Kenya Andreas Peschke, Ambassador of Denmark to Kenya Geert Andersen, Ambassador of France to Kenya Rémi Maréchaux, Ambassador of Sweden to Kenya Johan Borgstam and High Commissioner of Canada to Kenya David Angell.

The National Assembly is expected to debate the controversial Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014 on Thursday.

On Wednesday three committees held consultative talks to streamline the amendment where some were amended further, some deleted and some left as they were.

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