A Human Rights Watch official does not think a curfew is the way to go in Mt Elgon, which was declared disturbed after many fatal attacks.
Interior CS Fred Matiangi announced a 90-day 6pm to 6am curfew on Tuesday following public outcry about killings and severe injuries.
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But HRW's Western Kenya
Executive Director Job
Bwonya said
the Cabinet Secretary was misled by his men on the ground.
“Unlike the SLDF militia, the
group that has been
terrorising people
is not
widespread. Police say they are only 17 in number and have already released their
identities. The best approach is to deal with them directly
without affecting other peoples
lives,” he
said.
"We don't want a curfew. A special
police unit should just be
assigned to track down the
group."
Bwonya further
said the
curfew will only cause residents to be more afraid and flee.
Police say one
Timothy Kitai alias Cheparkach and his brother
Ngeywa are
the masterminds of the attacks.
But on February 23, a
killed gangster was identified
as Isaac Mukwawa, who was said to have been a former commander of the Sabaot Land Defence Force.
He was shot dead in a heavy exchange of fire with
APs
from Kamagul camp
at Kamuneru Forest. The RDU and General Service Unit are also taking part in the operation that has seen them fire shots at
Kamuneru, Sambojo, Masaek and Land B areas.
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Area MP Fred Kapondi, however, differed with Bwonya saying the curfew was "very much in order" and will help restore peace in the volatile region.
“I think the curfew is a step in the right direction, Nobody should claim it will affect
business," he said. "This gang
had already
scared residents from their homes."
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Kapondi
said the gang has been operating at
night so with the curfew, it will be easier for security agents to track the criminals down.
Some residents of the Bungoma constituency
believe the curfew will help security agencies deal firmly with the criminals while others say it was uncalled for.
Resident Kipkorir Kigai said the success of the regulation will only be felt if police are deployed to every location.
“We were not staying in our houses because of fear of being attacked. With the curfew we have no option but to sleep in the houses. We expect protection with heavy police presence."