The High Court on Wednesday declined to suspend the new security law as requested by Cord and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Justice Isaac Lenaola had also declined to issue orders temporarily halting the law on Tuesday when Cord filed its petition against it.
Cord and KNCHR had asked for the suspension of the Security Laws (Amendment) Act pending the hearing and determination of the petition.
Cord’s lawyer James Orengo had argued that injustices against millions of Kenyans would be revisited if it was not suspended.
“Kenyans should not be made to comply with an invalid law”, Orengo said.
He also argued that the law violates the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven.
A special Parliamentary seating on the security Bill was disrupted three times but it was eventually passed and signed into law by President Uhuru Kenyatta on December 19, a day after the chaos.
The controversial law has generated heated debate among locals as well, and has been opposed by several foreign governments.
Critics argue that it undermines basic human rights and freedoms enshrined in the constitution, and the international human rights law.
In a televised address to the nation after the signing, Uhuru however dismissed the claims, saying the law does not disregard any provisions of the Bill of Rights and the constitution.
He said it will empower security networks and bolster the fight against terrorism.
– the-star.co.ke
