A report by Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) shows that 573 people were killed in North Rift region between 2005 to 2015.
Another 1,752 were injured and 589 houses burnt during cattle rustling incidents.
The report dupped “Public Inquiry on Insecurity and its Impact on the Enjoyment of Fundamental Human Rights in the North Rift Region was released on Wednesday.
KNCHR conducted a comprehensive survey in Uasin Gishu County between May - July 2016 in twelve locations.
The twelve are; Marigat, Yatia, Bartabwa, Chemolingot, Kapedo, Orwa and Kapenguria.
Others are Kainuk, Lokichar, Lodwar, Kabarnet and Eldoret where 27public hearing sessions were held.
The commission's chairperson Kagwiria Mbogori said that diverse cultures in North Rift and different ethnic groups are a major cause of conflict.
“Some causes are historical or cultural while others are contemporary and country-specific. The historical causes explain the Pokot–Samburu, Pokot–Ichamus, Pokot–Tugen, Pokot-Turkana,” Mbogori said.
She said the cultural causes include the high bride price and the high expectations set by the traditional "sapana and athapan rituals" by Pokot and Turkana respectively; that compel young men to acquire own cattle for payment of bride price.
Other contemporary causes include political incitement by the local politicians.
Contested and shifting administrative boundaries in the North Rift region with Mukutani, Loruk, Amaya, Kapedo, the entire West Pokot-Turkana boundary, Turkwel Gorge Dam, Lorogon village being the most prominent.
The systemic absence of infrastructure in most areas of North Rift region coupled with a negligible presence of government security apparatus and dilapidated roads has also led to conflict in the region.
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The report said that authorities put in place to enforce security has also led in violation of human rights.
Counties bordering the North Rift region were also identified as catalysts of conflict due to the proliferation of illegal arms as a result of porous borders.
Lack of access to education, right to access water, right to health, right to own property, poor infrastructure have contributed to insecurity.
The KNHCR has made a recommendation to the national government to acknowledge the violations and apologize to the people of North Rift region for omission and commission in the provision of the right to Freedom and Security of the Person.
“A comprehensive disarmament exercise needs to be conducted in all the North Rift Counties. The National government needs to deploy enough security personnel to the satisfaction of the local people and assurance of sustained security protection,” she said.
KNCHR also wants an audit of human rights violations in North Rift region to ascertain the actual role of Kenya Defence Forces and National Police agents.
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