{The government has defended itself against statements made by the opposition againsts its proposed security law.}
In a statement from the Presidential Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU), the government termed statements by Cord leader Raila Odinga, made earlier on Tuesday as irresponsible, mendacious and dangerous.
The dismissed allegations by Cord that the Security (Amendment) Bill, 2014 violates provisions in the Bill of Rights. PSCU said that the Bill in no way takes away the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions in any way saying that the security law makes it easier for citizens to exercise these rights.
Government wants Kenyans to be safe when exercising their rights, and not to inconvenience others who also have rights through obstruction, nuisance or rioting. Besides, Government wants to ensure that terrorists do not take advantage of lawful gatherings and murder or maim innocent demonstrators. the statement reads.
Cord had further stated that the Bill requires an accused person to disclose his witness and evidence to the police. It is another basic right for the accused that he cannot be compelled to disclose anything to the prosecution. We also saw our president protest very strongly at the ICC when the prosecution applied to Kenya to give the prosecution information. The president must also respect the same rights for the rest of Kenyans, Cord said in its statement.
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