Uproar as KDF allegedly cane chiefs and NPRs in West Pokot
Uproar as KDF allegedly cane chiefs and NPRs in West Pokot
Leaders from West Pokot have expressed anger and outrage toward the Kenya Defence Forces, alleging that officers under Operation Maliza Uhalifu caned chiefs from Sigor, West Pokot.
According to the leaders, led by Jane Mengich, the MCA for Seker Ward, several chiefs from the area have been admitted to the hospital after the beating that was directed at all the chiefs from the area.
While addressing the media on Friday, Mengich claimed that the Assistant Commissioner invited chiefs and the National Police Reservists to a meeting, which turned into the alleged beating.
According to her, while the meeting was going on, KDF officers from the mission interrupted the meeting and began canning the chiefs and reserve officers.
“I am angered by what happened at the headquarters of the DCC. The DCC invited the chiefs and NPRs to his office. Before he finished addressing the chiefs, KDF officers came in, and the chiefs were beaten thoroughly,” Mengich narrated.
Going on to add, “Chiefs have been admitted to various hospitals.” The officers are said to have been employed to man the Elgeyo-Marakwet and West Pokot border when the incident occurred.
Mengich claims the chiefs, as well as assistant chiefs, were humiliated, and many remain admitted in various hospitals recuperating from the beating.
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“I am against the canning of chiefs. I don’t see the mistake the chiefs made,” she said. The MCA is now calling on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to order a probe into the incident and ensure an end to such treatment of government officials.
Neither KDF nor the office of the Ministry of Interior has responded to the claims, which is adding pressure to the operation that has had several questionable incidents.
KDF officers have been deployed in the region to flush out bandits, end cattle rustling, and recover illegal firearms in the North Rift region, including West Pokot.
The operation has faced huge criticism, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) accusing multi-agency teams of using extreme measures, including aerial bombardments.
The KNHCR called them ‘accidental strikes’, resulting in the destruction of homes and the displacement of families.
Furthermore, officers have been accused of shutting down critical water points and local markets, which are vital for the survival of pastoralist communities.
On January 26, security teams in Silale, Baringo County, allegedly killed over 70 cattle, 10 camels, and 50 goats in a single day, further increasing friction between communities and officers conducting the operation.
The Kenya Army is said to have launched a high-level investigation following a surge in complaints from residents and local leaders regarding violence by security forces, but the progress remains unknown.
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