We are opposed to plans to derail gains made by civil society, activists sayMembers of the Coast Civil Society groups hold hands in solidarity at the Mombasa's Royal castle hotel on Tuesday. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]Opposition is mounting on plans by the Government to amend the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012 (No .30 of 2012) and the Public Order Act, 2019 (National Assembly Bills No. It is calling on the Senate to ensure that the state and in particular the National Counter Terrorism Centre must categorically confirm their commitment to civil society independence in the process of countering violent extremism. ''Civil society organisations are already registered and approved by the relevant laws and state institutions to operate and execute their mandates. The network further stated that civil society organisation are independent, nonpartisan, non-political entities which cannot be directed to seek authority or report to a state entity.

Source: Standard Digital April 17, 2019 08:26 UTC