Deployment fails to deter attackers

By Ramadhan Rajab

More than seventy people have been killed following the skirmishes that have now lasted for close to five months in Isiolo.

Even though the government deployed more than 300 police drawn from the General Service Unit (GSU), Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) andAdministration Police (APs) last month to quell the escalating clashes, we evidently reveal that the police were not given orders to act and crack the rustlers who are heavily armed.

From what we gathered we doubt if the operation will yield any desirable results that will mean a lasting peace solution for this pastoralists community of Isiolo.

Human rights officials condemned the government’s inaction that has lead to police’s weary demeanour in disarming the militia.

Protecting citizens

The officials led by Hassan Omar, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR) vice-chair called on the government to take up its constitutional mandate of protecting its citizens and their property.

"The State has an obligation to guarantee the security of its citizens and ensure they live free from fear of crime," said Omar. "It must take responsibility for preventing further bloodshed." Insisting that the Government should not suppress the problem, but act quickly and tackle the root causes of the conflict.

They also want conservancies in the region to be investigated for reportedly fuelling cattle rustling and insecurity.

"There are persistent allegations that the conservancies are being used to condone cattle rustling and must be probed immediately," said Omar.

Rule of law

"The Government must demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law, which ensures the respect for human rights and peaceful co-existence," Omar told The Standard recommending that local peace committees and peace declarations be strengthened, through funding and legal support to restore peace in the clash torn area.

According to the police, apart from death, over 10,000, 4000 cattle, 2500 goats, 500 camels, and there is a progressive displacement of people who are relocating to Igembe, Garbatula and Tigania district.