The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has expressed concern about the human rights situation in six counties following an order by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kithure Kindiki.
According to the KNCHR statement, the order directing residents to leave identified troubled areas within 24 hours or face being treated as criminal elements has far-reaching negative consequences for their human rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed by Kenya’s Constitution.
Kindiki ordered residents from certain regions within Samburu, West Pokot, Laikipia, Turkana and Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties to vacate ahead of a crackdown against bandits.
The human rights commission is concerned that the relocation process will be difficult especially for vulnerable groups in these communities, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, children, the sick, and expectant women.
“The civilians, who indeed have been victims of banditry activities, are struggling to move out of the disturbed areas with nowhere to go; and the resultant impact is the mushrooming of overcrowded makeshift camps and centers with no provisions for basic commodities like water, food, reasonable standards of sanitation and healthcare services. Suffice it to say, the relocation move has been particularly torturous for the vulnerable groups in these communities; specifically to the elderly, persons with disabilities, children, the sick and expectant women,” part of the statement read.
Schools in these areas have been closed indefinitely, and children have no recourse to their right to an education.
The KNCHR has urged the government to take immediate extraordinary measures to avert a humanitarian crisis by extending the 24-hour ultimatum.
The KNCHR also urges the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration to allow humanitarian organisations, such as the Kenya Red Cross, to assist vulnerable civilians in moving to safer areas and to provide any other humanitarian assistance.
The Commission has also stated that it will monitor the security operation, urging residents of the affected areas to assist and cooperate with security agencies in order to put an end to the insecurity in the region.
