The Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNHCR) has raised concerns over alleged human rights violations being carried out by law enforcement officers in the ongoing 'Ondoa Jangili' operation in Nothern Kenya.
In a press statement dated March 4, KNHCR relayed that since the operation kicked off a month ago on February 3, at least six infractions by the authorities had been reported by the residents of Isiolo and Marsabit counties. "While we appreciate the importance of the operation, the KNCHR expresses its deep concern and condemnation regarding the alarming human rights violations reported since the onset of the operation that according to the Police was intended to target criminals conducting illegal activities that pose a serious threat to Kenya's national security," part of the statement read. "We are particularly troubled by the killing of a local by security personnel, abductions and enforced disappearances as well as violent treatment of numerous civilians, including the elderly and local leaders." Police officers engaged an armed resident after recovering sheep that had been stolen by bandits.
NPS Digging deeper into these violations, KNHCR noted that the security operation had led to the fatal shooting of one Abkul Boru on February 23 when police sprayed bullets at a bodaboda rider and his pillion passenger, who succumbed.
The commission also announced that seven people had been abducted by authorities since the operation kicked off, including one who was taken on February 22 and his whereabouts are still unknown.
