Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has said the Anti-Terrorism Bill is not aimed at targeting Muslims.
Mr Musyoka urged the Muslim community to support the fight against terrorism within the coastal region for economic growth.
"I want to assure you my brothers and sisters that the upcoming Anti-Terrorism Bll is not in any way intended to discriminate against Muslims.
"This Bill should not scare you at all as it is for the good of this nation," Mr Musyoka told a leaders meeting in Lamu town Saturday where he opened a Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) office.
The VP told the leaders among them MPs Shakilla Abdalla (nominated), Johnstone Muthama (Kangundo), Charles Nyamai (Kitui West) that terrorism was a real threat to economic and political spheres in the country.
"This thing (terrorism) needs concerted efforts by all leaders and members of the public if we are to eradicate it once and for all," said Mr Musyoka.
He noted that terrorism does not recognise boundaries, tribe or region and spares nobody.
"We therefore need to crackdown on these extremists who want to cause chaos thus hindering efforts to achieve political and economic growth of our nation," he said.
"If we work together as a team, I am optimistic that this region and the country at large will be terror free."
At the same time, Mr Musyoka put on notice those engaging in drug trafficking.
He said it was disheartening that some individuals were selling drugs to young people, ruining their lives at an early age.
“Those individuals selling drugs to children will face the full force of law,’’ said Mr Musyoka amid applause from the crowd.
Urging the Muslim community to support his presidential bid come the next General Election, the VP stressed the need for Kenyans to vote in capable and trustworthy leaders to steer the nation to greater heights of development.
Mr Musyoka said he was better placed among other presidential contenders to occupy State House citing his wide experience over the last 27 years in government.
"It is for this reason that I am committed for the good of this nation,’’ said the Vice President.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the Constitution for the benefit of Kenyans if given the opportunity to lead after President Kibaki retires.
The VP said the Wiper party will ensure equal distribution of resources as enshrined in the new law.
“I want to assure you that my party will bring the real change that Kenyans are yearning for if you elect me as your next president,’’ he said.
Among the areas the VP addressed rallies as he concludes his one week tour of Coast region included Kizingitini and Faza highlands.
Mr Muthama, on his part, appealed to Kenyans to elect the VP during the next General Election describing him as a servant leader, who has never been implicated in corruption.
Ms Shakilla assured Mr Musyoka that the Muslim community would rally behind him.
“The move by Mr Musyoka to nominate me and my brother Mohammed Affey from North Eastern is an indication that the Vice President has our interests at heart,’’ Ms Shakilla told the crowd.