Kenyan president signs anti-terror law

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta Friday signed into law the new Security Amendment Act 2014 that is expected to enhance the fight against terrorism in the East African nation.

In a televised address to the nation, Kenyatta called on Kenyans to read the controversial law and familiarise themselves with it to know their rights in securing the country, which is facing increasing terror attacks from Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militants.

Kenyatta expressed confidence that the new security law, which would empower security networks, did not violate the Bill of Rights in the constitution as claimed by its critics, Xinhua reported.

"I am confident that you will find there is nothing in this law that goes against the Bill of Rights or any provision of the constitution. Its intent is one: to protect the lives and property of all citizens," he said.

"All concerns raised by different stakeholders have been addressed by the relevant parliamentary committees," Kenyatta said after signing the Security Amendments Bill into law.