Over 3000 Kenyans killed in conflict over six years – Report

More than 3,000 people including 100 police officers have died and 180,000 others displaced in the conflict prone areas in the country since 2010.

This is according to a report revealed today (Wednesday) by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

Speaking during the launch of a three-month inquiry into insecurity and violation of human rights in the North Rift region, Northern Kenya, and parts of the Coastal regions, the chairperson of the commission, Kagwira Mbogori, said that the state has directed attention to curbing the effects of terror, with little focus going to violent acts occurring in marginal parts of the country.

“KNCHR will undertake comprehensive and systematic three phase public inquiry into the perennial conflicts in the North Rift, Northern Kenya and parts of the Coastal regions,” said Mbogoria during the launch that was held at Marigat Town in Baringo County.

The deputy chairperson at KNCHR, George Morara, echoed Mbogori’s sentiments saying that the document seeks to investigate and document the nature of human rights violations, recommend accountability for violations, and raise public awareness in the war prone zones.

The first phase of the inquiry kicked off on 9^th May in North Rift region targeting Baringo North, Marigat, East Pokot Sub-counties and Turkana and it is set to end on 10^th June.

Previous reports released by KNCHR in September 2014 and May 2015 to discern the impact of violence revealed that access to education was hampered and pointed at the shortage of farmland as the precursor for the challenges.

Among those who graced the occasion were Baringo County Deputy Governor, Mathew Tuitoek, Baringo South Grace Kipchoim, the County Commissioner Peter Okwanyo, KNCHR commissioners and other local leaders.

The panel that will spearhead the commission will receive and record evidence, petitions and memoranda from affected groups, government agencies, public/state officers and  civil society organisations working in the region and external or interested parties.

By Elizabeth Asasha