By Jennifer M. Haralambides
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa
NAIROBI, Kenya – A human rights organization has called on the Kenyan government to improve security in northern Kenya in order to prevent killings and cattle rustling.
The Kenyan government’s human rights watch dog, the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) accused state agencies of being too lenient in dealing with the insecurity in the Upper Eastern region and challenges them to step it up.
KNCHR condemned the recent killings that occurred in Isiolo, Samburu, Tigania, Igembe, Garbatula and Laisamis, and announced that security forces have not taken appropriate action to detain those responsible.
“Insecurity in the region has brought development to a near standstill and we need to note that when people already have very little, the impact of insecurity in terms of the clashes takes them back to step one,” said KNCHR Commission Vice-Chairman Hassan Omar Hassan.
The insecurity has been fueled by increasing allegations that cattle rustling has been commercialized. Sources say that more than 70 people, including security agents, have been killed and over 5,000 livestock stolen since December 2007. The commission also alleged a cover up by the local provincial administration and other security officials who are trying to make the situation appear less serious than it actually is.
There are currently thousands of cattle and goats grazing in the Shaba National Reserve and they are being protected by local militiamen. The Kenya Red Cross said tension was also high between communities in Gambela where close to 10 people were killed and more than 1,700 families were displaced last month.
“The government must nip this crisis in the bud,” Hassan added. “This insecurity is further aggravated by alleged militia harbored in the park which endangers safety of the tourists,” he said.
For more information, please see:
Capital News – KNHCR Condemns Killings in Upper Eastern – 9 August 2009
Daily Nation – Boost Security to Avert Raids, Urges Group – 9 August 2009
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation – KNCHR Condemns Killing in North Eastern – 9 August 2009
