Critics say Kenya's proposed terror law flawed

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) -- The government-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights says a proposed law to help fight the increased threat of terrorism would give the state sweeping powers that can be abused to intimidate political opponents.

Kenya's Muslim community has also raised objections over the Suppression of Terrorism bill saying it will infringe on constitutional rights of individuals.

The government wants parliament to make the bill law, a step that looks likely to happen Thursday or Friday. The government says that the current legislation is insufficient to effectively pursue and punish perpetrators of terrorism.

Al-Shabab, Somalia's al-Qaida-linked militant group, has repeatedly promised to attack Kenya in retaliation for Kenyan forces moving into southern Somalia last year.

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