V-P: Terrorism Bill Will Not Be Rushed

The East African Standard (Nairobi)
NEWS
December 9, 2003
Posted to the web December 9, 2003

By Caroline Mango
Nairobi
Vice-President Moody Awori has assured Kenyans and the Muslim community in
particular, that the Government will not rush on the Suppression of Terrorism
Bill.
Awori said the Bill needed extensive consultation, amendments and understanding
before it goes to Parliament.
The V-P observed that many Kenyans, especially the Muslims have expressed a lot
of opposition towards the Bill.
He said all stakeholders will consult widely on the Bill and also give their
recommendations, which will be widely looked at before the Bill is taken to
Parliament.
"I assure all Kenyans that the President acknowledges the need to consult
widely on the Bill and it shall not be rushed through Parliament," he said.
Awori was speaking at Mvita Primary School at the weekend during a meeting
attended by area MP Najib Balala.
The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) and other religious leaders
attended the meeting too.
Awori said the Government respects the sanctity of human rights and will not
deliberate on issues that will infringe on the welfare of its citizens.
"All stakeholders will meet and hold wide consultations on the Bill, discuss it
and get the consent of Kenyans," said Awori.
Muslim leaders and the civil society have been up in arms calling on the
Government not to implement the Terrorism Suppression Bill.
Awori at the same time, warned Immigration Department officials in the province
against making a lot of demands before issuing Muslims with passports.
Balala told Awori that Muslims were often asked to produce both certificates of
their great grand fathers and mothers as one of the requirements in applying
for passports.
"Muslims cannot be issued with passports because they don't have the birth
certificates of their great grandfathers and mothers, most of whom were born
during or before the second world war," said Balala.
Balala said several victims, most of them Muslims had approached him to help
them secure passports as it was difficult to do so.
Awori said such requirements do not exist and Immigration officials are aware
of it.
The V-P, however, noted that for security reasons and in the wake of terrorism
threats, security and scrutiny was vital to ascertain the origin of an
individual.
"Undergoing proper scrutiny before getting a passport is a must due to security
reasons," he said.
He called on the residents to co-operate with the officials, adding that the
issuance of a passport to a genuine Kenyan citizen was not a privilege but a
right.

   

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