The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has urged Garissa residents to make use of the newly opened office.
Vice chairperson Raymond Nyeris said the new office is part of the commission’s strategy to decentralise services.
He was accompanied by CEO Bernad Mogesa, Garissa acting county commissioner Sabastian Okiring and local human rights defenders.
“As a constitutional commission, we carry out investigations after receiving complaints from wananchi. Starting today, we will expect residents to make use of our services,” Nyeris said.
He said the commission is planning to go beyond Garissa and will open offices in Mandera and other neighbouring counties such as Tana River.
The commission already has offices in Wajir.
“We are glad that with the support of the national and county governments and other civil society organisations, we have opened an office here and we are confident that wananchi will enjoy the services as enshrined in the constitution,” he said.
Mogesa said the office will deepen human rights protections, fostering accountability and amplifying the voices of communities that have often been underrepresented in the national dialogue.
Mukhtar Dahir, a human rights defender welcomed the launch of the office describing it as long ove
rdue.
He said the office is a symbol of inclusion and equality.
“Cases of human rights violations in this part of the country are well documented. We deal with numerous cases of human rights violations ranging from extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance, arbitrary arrest, abductions, police brutality and gender based violence almost daily,” Dahir said.
“But as human rights defenders, it has been extremely tough on our end because we have not had a KNHCR office around, forcing us to seek support from Nairobi. This obviously comes with its inconveniences."
Dahir said their work has been made easier, urging residents to make good use of the office by reporting cases of human rights violations.
Fatuma Badh,i another human rights defender, said the office marks a significant step towards promoting justice, accountability and inclusive development.
She regretted the increasing cases of gender-based violence, including wife battering, defilement, rape and FGM, challenging all partners to continue working closely to curb the vices.
“As a human rights defender, I couldn’t be much happier because residents will be able to report human rights violations directly without the burden of traveling long distances," Badhi said.
“This proximity will empower marginalised communities, especially women, youth and persons with disability, to seek redress and engage in human rights discourse. And as always, we will be at the forefront to ensure those whose rights have been violated in one way or the other get justice,” she said.
