- KNCHR called on the government to deploy sufficient numbers of law enforcement personnel to the affected areas.
- The commission said the officers should be equipped with the right equipment to ensure a visible and robust presence that deters potential security threats.
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The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is calling on the government to move with speed and address the insecurity in Samburu County.
The commission further wants the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the National Land Commission, and other relevant agencies to investigate the connection between land ownership and the current spate of attacks in the county.
The commission in a statement on Tuesday said the focus should be along the boundaries between Samburu and neighboring counties.
KNCHR said this is due to the worries expressed by community leaders and the situation where some families have had to relocate because of safety concerns.
KNCHR further called on the government to deploy sufficient numbers of law enforcement personnel to the affected areas.
The commission said the officers should be equipped with the right equipment to ensure a visible and robust presence that deters potential security threats.
This comes after a resurgence of insecurity in parts of Samburu such as Porroh, Soit Pus, Morijo, Angata Nanyekie, Lolmolok, and Longewan which have resulted in killings, displacement of families and closure of schools and public facilities.
“Security agencies should intensify intelligence-gathering and surveillance operations to identify, prevent and neutralize individuals or groups responsible for insecurity,” KNHRC Chairperson Roseline Odede said.
Odede further wants the National Police Service (NPS) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to ensure that those responsible for acts of violence, robbery, cattle rustling, criminal threats, or intimidation are swiftly brought to justice.
This, she said, will send a clear message that impunity will not be tolerated.
A recent fact-finding mission by the commission in the county found that the insecurity has resulted in the closure of schools consequently affecting education in the area.
For instance, the commission found that Amaiya Primary School in Samburu West, Lorroki Soit Pus ECD and Primary School, Ntima Nariko Primary School and Nasur Primary School had been closed as of February 16.
Odede said the insecurity situation has been worsened by the killing of Angata Nanyekie Ward MCA Paul Leshimpiro on Sunday by suspected bandits in the Soit Pus area.
“The KNCHR notes that the late MCA had been actively advocating for Government action to restore security in his area, making his death even more tragic,” Odede said.
The commission now wants all duty bearers in Samburu County to prioritize the safety and security of the affected areas to enable people to safely return home and resume their lives without fear.
“The commission continues to monitor the human rights situation closely and urges the government to protect the rights of all Kenyan citizens. Immediate action is crucial to prevent further loss of life and displacement of communities,” Odede said.
KNCHR is further calling on the public to volunteer any information and human rights concerns relating to the insecurity in Samburu County and any other region in the country.
According to Odede, the recurrent banditry attacks have disrupted the normal life of the people, creating an environment that undermines the enjoyment of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms of the locals.