Kenya's parliament has been forced to adjourn after disruptive opposition members of parliament attacked government plans to push through a new security bill.
Dramatic scenes unfolded Thursday as MPs shouted, danced and shredded copies of the bill, forcing National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi to call for a 30-minute adjournment. There were also reports of fist-fights between lawmakers.
The Kenyan government has called for new powers to counter militant Islamists that threaten the country's security. The al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group has stepped up attacks recently, and killed 36 Kenyans in a quarry earlier this month.
The bill, which is backed by President Uhuru Kenyatta, allows security agencies to detain terror suspects for up to a year and to tap communications without the consent of a court. It also requires journalists to obtain police permission before publishing stories on domestic terrorism and security issues.
Opposition MPs warned that Kenya was becoming a "police state."
As the proceedings descended into mayhem, the Speaker was unable to keep control.
Opposition MPs now singing "bado mapambano" Meaning struggle is still on. Speaker unable to control house. Orders ejection of some MPs— emmanuel Igunza (@EmmanuelIgunza) December 18, 2014
Politicians were seen with ripped clothes following the events.
Senator Muthama after chaos in Parliament #SecurityBill pic.twitter.com/rgTfRsvDZm @robjillo— Capital FM Kenya (@CapitalFM_kenya) December 18, 2014
There was a heavy police presence around the parliament ahead of the session, following calls for #OccupyParliament protests against the new bill.
More police in riot gear arriving near #Kenya Parliament ahead of Security Bill debate. Pic by @edwinobuya1 pic.twitter.com/69pJipFN0B— emmanuel Igunza (@EmmanuelIgunza) December 18, 2014
Police officers stationed around Kenya parliament buildings. @bbcafrica https://t.co/VDYwg9VlHm— emmanuel Igunza (@EmmanuelIgunza) December 18, 2014