Kamama under pressure to abandon Parliamentary Security Committee seat

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has waded into the Baringo crisis and now wants Chairperson of National Assembly’s Security Committee, Asman Kamama, to step down.

According to KNCHR Vice Chairperson, George Morara, Kamama – who is also Tiaty Member of Parliament – has been adversely mentioned in the ongoing conflict adding that his position is jeopardizing investigations.

Morara now says that the commission fully supports the latest government initiative to restore peace in the volatile area but cautioned that the operation should be done within the confines of the law.

Commissioner, Jedidah Wakonyo, also asked the operation be consistent until normality is restored in the volatile area.

These calls come just hours after hundreds of families in Baringo County are reported to have fled areas targeted in a disarmament exercise that begun on Tuesday, this despite assurances from authorities that innocent residents will be out of harm’s way.

According to an assessment report by the Kenya Red Cross Society, 812 households, translating to about 4,872 people have been displaced in the ongoing conflict.

In a statement, the Red Cross Society indicated that the number could rise due to continued fighting.

The society also reported that more than ten schools have since been closed due to insecurity in Baringo County.

“The situation in Baringo remains volatile with a number of reported attacks following inter-clan conflicts between the Pokots and the Tugen,” read the statement in part.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has since gazetted 19 areas in Baringo South, Baringo North and East Pokot as disturbed and dangerous areas.

Among the areas gazetted on Wednesday 1^st March 2017 are, Arabal, Kiserian, Mochongoi, Rugus and Makutano.

According to Nkaissery, the move was after consultations with the National Security Council saying the notice will remain in force for the next 30 days.

This comes as a section of MPs from Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties defended the shoot-to-kill order issued by Deputy President William Ruto on cattle rustlers, saying it will restore peace in volatile areas of the county.

Area leaders led by MPS, Baringo North William Cheptum, Baringo Central’s Sammy Mwaita and their Marakwet East counterpart Kangogo Bowen threw their weight behind the government’s move to launch a security operation aimed at stabilizing the region.

Speaking at Parliament Building on Wednesday, the leaders however hit out at West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo for criticizing the government’s move to arm the security personnel deployed to Baringo, claiming he is playing politics with the issue.