Police are violating rights in Ondoa Jangili raids – KNCHR

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.