Some of the items belonging to Oromo Liberation Army recovered by police
during a raid under Operation Ondoa Jangili /HANDOUT
POLICE officers conducting a
security operation dubbed ‘Ondoa
Jangili’ in Isiolo and Marsabit
counties are violating human rights,
a state agency has stated.
The Kenya National Commission
on Human Rights stated in a statement
the operation features violations of
the law like killings, abductions, enforced disappearances, violence on
the elderly, intimidation and illegal
confiscation of personal property.
“While we appreciate the importance of the operation, KNCHR expresses its deep concern and condemnation regarding the alarming
human rights violations reported
since the onset of the raid that according to the police was intended
to target criminals conducting illegal
activities that pose a serious threat to
Kenya’s national security,” KNCHR vice chairperson Raymond Nyeris said.
The
commission is particularly troubled
by the killing of a resident by security
personnel, abductions and enforced
disappearances, as well as violent
treatment of civilians, including the
elderly and leaders.
KNCHR cited the fatal shooting of pillion
passenger Galgalo Boru on February
23, 2025, by officers on patrol who
sprayed bullets on a boda boda rider,
who is still nursing head and hand
bullet wounds.
In another incident, seven men
from three different locations were
abducted, then there was the torture
of Malka Daka location chief, a local medic and two other residents on
February 9 and assault of 10 locals
on February 3.
When reached out for a comment, National police spokesman Michael Muchiri said they are studying
the statement for response.
KNCHR claimed police arrested a five-year-old boy to intimidate and force his father to surrender
to the police and also confiscating
150 goats and several motorbikes, actions which violate the people’s rights.
“One of the abductees, Idris Edin,
who was taken on February 22, 2025,
is still missing. It is reported that a
group of armed police officers conducted a raid that involved unlawful
detention, physical assault and intimidation of innocent civilians. Police in
Garbatulla and Isiolo have allegedly
refused to record statements from
Edin’s family,” the KNCHR said.
The commission wants the government and the relevant authorities, such as the Independent Police
Oversight Authority, to ensure those
culpable are held accountable and
brought to justice.
While underscoring that the right
to security and safety should not
come at the cost of fundamental human rights, KNCHR said it would
pursue legal redress to ensure human
rights are upheld.
“The commission calls upon Ipoa
to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into the events
during ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili, ’
including the killing of Boru and abduction of Edin and the mistreatment
of locals in violation of the Prevention
of Torture Act,” Nyeris said.
