Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria has proposed a law that will allow Kenyans to defend themselves in case of political violence.
“The Bill will supplement existing national measures that entitle every person to freedom and security,” Kuria said in his letter to National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi on Tuesday.
The lawmaker is seeking permission to introduce the "Stand Your Ground Bill" to the National Assembly in 2017.
“The principle of giving civilians a legal framework within which they can engage and combat crime first, deters crime and reduces unnecessary loss of life and wanton destruction of property,” Kuria said, adding that the proposed legislation, which is popular in the US, aims to protect life and property.
“A threatened individual can stand their ground and use otherwise unlawful force without retreating, in order to protect and defend themselves or others against threats or perceived threats and protect property as well,” he says.
The Jubilee Party MP says a person can use any level of force, if he reasonably believes the threat rises to the level of being an imminent and immediate threat of serious bodily harm or death or loss of property.