[AfricaRealities.com] THE PRESIDENT OF KENYA HITS BACK AT THE US OVER CRITICISM

From: "Tom Oreje tomoreje@gmail.com [rwanda_revolution]" <rwanda_revolution@yahoogroups.com>

Defending tyranny at all costs.

On Dec 26, 2014, at 03:01, 'Herrn Edward Mulindwa' mulindwa@look.ca [rwanda_revolution] <rwanda_revolution@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Uhuru hits back at the US over criticism
The law becomes effective starting Monday when it is expected to be published.
("Kenya has no Guantanamo Bay," said Mr Kenyatta in a statement from State House.)

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday reacted strongly to a statement by the US Government criticising the passage of the controversial security law which he signed on Friday.
The law becomes effective starting Monday when it is expected to be published.
At the same time, Cord leader Raila Odinga said the Opposition would call for mass protests if the courts did not stop the new laws (see separate story).
In a move that is likely to test the fragile relations between Nairobi and the Barack Obama administration, the President said that criticising the new law was a "clear indication that the US had decided to go with the view of the noisemakers rather than the Security (Amendment Act) itself".
"First, our law is better than the American Patriot and Homeland Security Acts that give rogue powers to security agencies. In the US, FBI and intelligence officers have a carte blanche in the fight against terrorism and biological warfare.
But our law has provided checks by courts of law. What is more, Kenya has no Guantanamo Bay," said Mr Kenyatta in a statement from State House.
SECURITY LAWS CRITICISED
A terse statement from the US State Department had on Friday criticised the controversial new security laws, saying they undermined human rights, democracy and Kenya's international obligations.
"We are disappointed, however, by the very limited time allowed for debate and consultation on the security Bill prior to its passage and enactment into law.
We are also concerned about several provisions in the legislation, including those that appear to limit freedom of assembly and media, and access to asylum for refugees," said the statement signed by Jen Psaki, the spokesperson for the US State Department.
The statement also took issue with the recent deregistration of 525 non- governmental organisations for their suspected links to terrorism, and demanded answers from the Kenya Government on the criteria used to kick them out.
The US added that whereas it supported Kenya's efforts to fight terrorism, it expected the government to ensure that any measures to deal with the threat "live up to Kenya's international commitments and its own constitution".
"Protecting Kenya's constitution and upholding human rights, democracy, and international obligations are among the most effective ways to bolster security," the statement said.
UNDERSTAND LAWS FIRST
But the statement from President Kenyatta, which was signed by State House official Munyori Buku, asked the US Government to take time and understand the laws before criticising the Kenya Government.
"Our law doesn't curtail the freedom of assembly and the State Department should read the law as passed, and not go by what its associates want them to believe," said the statement.
The statement also defended the government's move to deregister hundreds of non- governmental organisations, saying the decision was final.
"The statement questions a decision by a government department that deregistered rogue non- governmental organisations and put on notice those that flout the law. non- governmental organisations aren't above the law and they must answer to the authorities.
Isn't it peculiar that a foreign government appears sympathetic to organisations that think the law is an irritating irrelevance?"
The US stance appeared to capture the mood of the West towards the passing of the security laws in an acrimonious session characterised by fistfights, heckling and name-calling on Thursday.
BROADER CONSULTATIONS
Prior to the debate, nine Western envoys had called for broader consultations and consensus building before the Bill could be debated.
In a joint statement issued in Nairobi, the envoys from the US, Britain, Canada, Sweden, France, Denmark, Netherlands and Australia called on MPs to take their time and carefully review the Bill and consult broadly to build consensus.
They noted that protecting Kenya's constitution and upholding civil liberties and democracy were the most effective ways of bolstering security. "It is important that the legislation, while strengthening security, respects human rights and international obligations," they said.
On the de-registration of non- governmental organisations, the US Government stated that a strong civil society was vital to democracy, security and prosperity.
"We urge the Government of Kenya to ensure the regulation of NGOs is transparent, fair, and grounded in clear criteria that do not limit free expression, association, or assembly," said the State Department.
Information and Communication Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i said the US Government statement does not address any substance of the law.
"It simply parrots and adds to the yet-to-be-substantiated chorus of Kenya's political opposition establishment about the illegality and/or unconstitutionality of the law in point.
Without any credible reference to the substance of the law in reference, it is clear the speculative and general statement was issued before reading the (new laws)."
BILL OF RIGHTS
He criticised the Obama Administration for the "patronising and prefectorial" tone of the statement.
"One wonders on what basis the US Government is 'seeking further information on the December 16 announcement by the Kenya NGO Board'.
The Kenya Government neither reports to the US Government nor manages the affairs of the country under the patronage of our development partners," Dr Matiang'i said.
The Kenya Government, the minister said, was committed to protecting all citizens under the Bill of Rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
"Freedom of the press is our chosen way of life in Kenya. Nothing will take it away or interfere with it. Demanding professional responsibility on the part of media practitioners is what all Kenyans expect their democratically elected government to do."
The government statement came as the government defended itself against criticism from the opposition that some critical procedures were flouted in the passage of the Bill.
Giving a chronology of events that preceded the embarrassing scenes that dominated the debate on the controversial laws, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale claimed that MPs from both sides of the political divide had met and agreed on amendments to the contentious clauses in the Bill prior to the debate.
BUILDING CONSENSUS
"Members from both sides of the coalitions participated in harmonisation and clean-up of the Bill to ensure the provisions passed by the National Assembly do not in any way infringe on the Bill of Rights," said Mr Duale.
He said that 22 MPs (11 from the opposition Cord) met the National Security Committee on Tuesday evening to agree on amendments to the Bill.
"It was collectively agreed that in areas where there was no consensus, each of the members concerned would move their amendments on the floor of the House," Mr Duale said at a press conference on Friday.
He noted that three House committees took time to build consensus on the Bill by accommodating views from more than 34 groups and individuals.
Stories by Peter Leftie, BMJ Mureithi, Dennis Odunga, Stephen Muthini and Kennedy Kimanthi
Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
"With Yoweri Museveni, Ssabassajja and Dr. Kiiza Besigye, Uganda is in anarchy"
Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi
"Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni, Ssabassajja na Dk. Kiiza Besigye, Uganda ni katika machafuko"

__._,_.___

Posted by: Samuel Desire <sam4des@yahoo.com>

Reply via web post

•

Reply to sender

•

Reply to group

•

Start a New Topic

•

Messages in this topic (1)

The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.
When the white man came we had the land and they had the bibles; now they have the land and we have the bibles

----------------------------------------------------------
The Voice of the Poor, the Weak and Powerless.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Post message: AfricaRealities@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: AfricaRealities-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: AfricaRealities-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: AfricaRealities-owner@yahoogroups.com
__________________________________________________________________

Please consider the environment before printing this email or any attachments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-http://www.africarealities.com/

-https://www.facebook.com/africarealities

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-New International Scholarships opportunities: http://www.scholarshipsgate.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit Your Group

New Members 1

• Privacy • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use

__,_._,___

Comments

Africa Realities Media offre un espace aux écrivains, chercheurs, experts, activistes, voix communautaires, militants, analystes et personnes ayant une expérience vécue qui souhaitent contribuer à des contenus réfléchis, responsables et courageux sur les changements nécessaires dans la région des Grands Lacs, ainsi que sur les réalités politiques, économiques, culturelles et sociales africaines souvent ignorées, minimisées ou mal représentées. Nos articles et vidéos visent à ouvrir le débat, renforcer la sensibilisation, encourager la pensée critique et favoriser une réflexion plus profonde sur les réalités vécues par les populations africaines. Nous voulons aider les peuples de la région des Grands Lacs à mieux comprendre leurs droits, notamment leurs droits humains, leur droit au développement, leur droit à la dignité, à la sécurité, au bien-être et à une vie meilleure. À travers nos contenus, nous cherchons également à rappeler aux décideurs, aux institutions publiques, aux acteurs régionaux et internationaux, ainsi qu’aux responsables politiques, leur devoir de transparence, de responsabilité et de redevabilité envers les populations qu’ils prétendent servir. Notre objectif est de contribuer à une culture de vérité, de justice, de participation citoyenne et de protection égale pour tous les peuples africains.

Why Africa Realities Media Is Different

Africa Realities Media speaks to Africa and to the developed world. Many abuses facing African people are committed by African states and ruling elites, but they are often protected by international silence, lobbying, public relations, trade interests, migration deals and unequal global accountability. While governments pay lobbyists to present a good image abroad, ordinary African people continue to face violence, hunger, disease, poverty, repression and exclusion. We challenge the normalisation of African suffering and demand equal truth, equal justice and equal protection.

Pourquoi Africa Realities Media est différent?

Africa Realities Media s’adresse à l’Afrique et au monde développé. De nombreux abus subis par les peuples africains sont commis par des États africains et des élites dirigeantes, mais ils sont souvent protégés par le silence international, le lobbying, les relations publiques, les intérêts commerciaux, les accords migratoires et une responsabilité mondiale inégale. Tandis que des gouvernements paient des lobbyistes pour présenter une bonne image à l’étranger, des Africains ordinaires continuent de faire face à la violence, à la faim, aux maladies, à la pauvreté, à la répression et à l’exclusion. Nous contestons la normalisation de la souffrance africaine et exigeons une vérité égale, une justice égale et une protection égale.

Exposing Injustice in Africa

Africa Realities Media is an independent African accountability platform based in London. We report, analyse and challenge the systems that shape African suffering, silence African victims and protect abusive power. We are not here to repeat diplomatic language. We are here to ask the questions that are often avoided: why are African deaths treated as normal? Why are African victims given less urgency? Why are governments that imprison, exclude, displace or kill their own people protected when they serve powerful international interests?

Africa Realities Media gives space to writers, researchers, experts, activists, community voices, campaigners, analysts and people with lived experience who want to contribute thoughtful, responsible and courageous content about the changes needed in the region, as well as the political, economic, cultural and social African realities that are often ignored, minimised or misrepresented. Our articles and videos aim to encourage debate, raise awareness, stimulate critical thinking and support reflection. We seek to help people in the Great Lakes Region understand their rights to human rights, development and wellbeing, while also encouraging decision-makers to be more transparent, responsive and accountable.

Appel à contributions

Sensibilisez le public aux causes qui vous tiennent à cœur. Prenez part au changement que vous souhaitez voir émerger. Aidez à combattre l'injustice partout où elle se manifeste.

Africa Realities Media accueille des articles originaux, analyses, tribunes, réflexions communautaires et commentaires fondés sur des faits concernant la région des Grands Lacs africains, ainsi que les questions liées à la justice, aux droits humains, à la gouvernance, aux conflits, à la paix, aux réfugiés, aux ressources naturelles et à la responsabilité publique en Afrique.

Nous accueillons également les annonces concernant de nouvelles ou d'anciennes publications liées à nos domaines d'intérêt. Vous pouvez annoncer gratuitement votre publication, notamment un livre, un rapport, une étude, un article académique ou tout autre travail pertinent.

Les articles doivent être rédigés en anglais ou en français et ne doivent pas dépasser 1 500 mots.

Veuillez inclure le nom complet de l'auteur, qui sera publié avec l'article s'il est accepté.

Avant de soumettre votre article, veuillez d'abord lire nos pages du site web afin de vérifier si votre article correspond à nos priorités éditoriales, à nos thèmes et à nos domaines d'intérêt.

Si vous avez un article, un commentaire ou une annonce de publication à partager avec un public plus large, veuillez l'envoyer par email à :

africarealitiesmedia@gmail.com

Nous étudierons la possibilité de publier gratuitement les articles et annonces de publications appropriés s'ils répondent à nos critères éditoriaux, notamment la pertinence, la clarté, l'originalité, l'intérêt public, le respect des communautés concernées et l'utilisation responsable des informations et des preuves.

Les articles sont publiés tels qu'ils sont soumis s'ils répondent à nos critères et à notre politique éditoriale. Nous ne procédons pas à une modification supplémentaire de votre article avant sa publication.

Africa Realities Media | African Human Rights and Accountability

Search This Blog

About Africa Realities Media

Category Posts