MPs want soldiers probed over abuse claims in Kapedo operation

Nairobi, Kenya: Soldiers involved in the Kapedo operation should be investigated to weed out the ruthless ones torturing residents, MPs have said.

Speaking at a news conference at the Media Centre in Parliament buildings yesterday, the MPs said President Uhuru Kenyatta, Chief of Defence Forces Julius Karangi and Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo should probe the military.

The legislators said they had received complaints that the soldiers were raping women and girls while torturing children under the guise of obtaining information on the missing guns snatched from the 19 police officers killed a fortnight ago.

ADDRESS ALLEGATIONS

Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), Alfred Keter (Nandi Hills) and David Were (Matungu) said the military had also abused the rights of Kapedo residents on the controversial border between Baringo and Turkana counties.

“We support the disarmament efforts by the Government but note that it must not only be humane but should also adhere to constitutional standards and rights,” said Ms Odhiambo.

“We ask the Government to take urgent action to address allegations of human rights abuses including rape, torture, destruction of property and forced disappearances,” she added.

Mr Keter said politicians from Pokot and Turkana communities were polarising the debate regarding the mop-up exercise because they had hijacked it to push their tribal agenda.

The MPs said the Jubilee administration should not only focus on the security crackdown but also work on finding solutions to cattle rustling.