KNCHR condemns alleged rights violations in North Rift security operation

Army personnel giving out foodstuff. /HANDOUT

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has condemned the alleged shooting of livestock and use of extrajudicial means by multi-agency security officers conducting Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift region.

The Commission said it had documented reports of the killing of more than 70 cattle, 10 camels, and 50 goats in Silale, Tiaty Constituency, Baringo County, on January 26, 2026.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission’s Chairperson Claris Ogangah said the livestock were allegedly shot by officers attached to the Special Operations Group (SOG), which is leading disarmament operations in the area.

“The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights condemns the shooting of livestock and use of extrajudicial means by security officers carrying out the Operation Maliza Uhalifu Security Operation in the North Rift Region,” Ogangah said.

The Commission noted that while it supports the Government’s ongoing disarmament exercise aimed at recovering illegally held firearms, the security operation must strictly adhere to constitutional and international human rights.

“The Commission commends the Government for the ongoing disarmament exercise being undertaken by multi-agency security teams in the North Rift counties. However, the Commission expresses concern over the deteriorating security situation within the Turkwel Belt, where there has been a notable increase in incidents of banditry and cattle rustling,” Ogangah said.

According to KNCHR, the affected communities are predominantly pastoralists who rely almost entirely on livestock for their livelihoods.

The loss of animals, the Commission said, has devastating socio-economic consequences, especially in a region already grappling with recurrent drought and food insecurity due to climate change.

During a recent situational analysis mission to Baringo County, the Commission documented allegations of excessive use of force by officers attached to the SOG during disarmament operations.

The reported violations allegedly affected civilians and even local administrators, including chiefs and their assistants.

KNCHR further cited reports of destruction of property in Riongo, Naudo, and Silale, closure of marketplaces and water points in Nginyang, Riongo, Naudo and Silale, and displacement of residents in Silale, Riongo, and Nginyang.

“These incidents raise serious human rights concerns warranting further investigation and appropriate remedial action,” Ogangah said.

The Commission also revealed that residents had not filed formal complaints with local police stations or senior National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) due to fears of reprisals.

While reaffirming support for efforts to restore peace and stability in the region, KNCHR cautioned security agencies against violating fundamental rights in the course of operations.

“The Commission underscores the imperative that all such operations strictly comply with constitutional, legal, and international human rights standards,” Ogangah stated.

KNCHR called on multi-agency security teams to adopt a holistic approach in addressing insecurity, including ensuring unimpeded access to essential services such as education, healthcare, markets, grazing lands, and water points.

“The security teams conducting the operation [must] respect the right to property and freedom and security of the person pursuant to Articles 40 and 29, respectively. The operation should not be used as a license by a section of the security teams to unleash punishment and occasion more harm to the already suffering communities in the area,” Ogangah said.

The Commission urged the government to consider compensating civilians whose livestock were killed and those who lost property during the operation.

At the same time, KNCHR called on local communities to support disarmament efforts by surrendering illegal firearms and embracing community policing initiatives.

“Members of the public have a civic responsibility to uphold the rule of law and to promptly report any acts of lawlessness to the relevant authorities for appropriate action,” Ogangah said.

The Commission encouraged victims and witnesses of human rights violations to report incidents through its official complaint channels as investigations continue into the security situation in the North Rift.