Human rights group expresses concern over escalating insecurity in Northern Kenya

ELDORET: The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised concern over escalating insecurity that has led to numerous deaths and massive destruction of property in the North Rift region.

According to the commission, over 20,000 civilians including vulnerable women and children have been displaced as a result of conflicts witnessed in the recent past.

KNHCR Commissioner Suzzane Chivusia decried laxity of relevant authorities to curb the situation which she noted has been escalating thus increased infringement on human rights.

She said the commission had conducted over five visits in areas that have been worst hit by inter-community feuds in Baringo County and received several petitions from residents who are very worried about the protection of their lives.

"Some schools have remained closed for over two years now due to insecurity challenges and the situation seems to be getting worse, there needs to be responsibility from all government agencies to see this situation reversed," she said.

Chivusia who is also the commission's overseer in the North Rift disclosed that over 30 schools have been closed with five of them in Yatya grounded due to the recent wave of inter-community fighting where close to 80 lives have been lost.

She pointed out that there is a looming humanitarian crisis due to the displacements and access to health has been made a huge challenge.

The commissioner regretted that there was a continued target of security agencies by bandits in the region and called upon the public to accord security personnel necessary support.

"Of concern is a new turn of impromptu attacks targeting road users especially between Loruk and Tangulbei besides to Loruk and Chemolingot routes," she added.

Chivusia further pointed out that a public service vehicle plying the route was recently shot at by bandits who also attacked a National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) vehicle injuring a staff.

The rights activist said the commission has made recommendations to the government including disarmament exercise as a long term measure in curbing the menace.

The commission named Kapedo, Nadome, Kiserian, Mukutani, Logumgum, Arabal, Ng'elecha, Chebinyiny, Yatya and Loruk as some of the most affected areas.

Chivusia said the commission will take unspecified measures against the government if it fails to take expeditious security response measures.