KNCHR demands quick state action to secure Samburu after MCA's killing

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) wants the government to swiftly address the insecurity in Samburu County, following the killing of Angata Nanyekie MCA Paul Leshimpiro.

On Monday, hundreds of residents led by Maa community leaders, staged peaceful protests over the killing and demanded the review of the strategy in the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu to prevent more deaths. They presented a petition to President William Ruto through the newly posted Samburu County Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha.

On Tuesday, the commission noted that the MCA actively advocated for government action to restore security in his ward, which they said made his death more tragic.

Chairperson Roseline Odede said they were deeply concerned about the resurgence of insecurity in the area, which has led to deaths and the destruction of property.

“A recent fact-finding mission by the commission revealed that recurrent banditry attacks have disrupted the normal life of the people in Porroh, Soit Pus, Morijo, Angata Nanyekie, Lolmolok, and Longewan areas, creating an environment that undermines the enjoyment of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms of the locals,” Odede said.

She regretted that this was the situation as the rights to freedom and security, as well as property rights, are guaranteed in articles 29 and 40 of the constitution, respectively.

Odede further noted that the closure of schools due to insecurity has severely affected access to education, with institutions like Amaiya, Lorroki Soit Pus ECD, Ntima Nariko, and Nasur primary schools shutting down as of February 16, 2024.

The demands

KNCHR wants the government to deploy adequate security personnel to the affected areas and equip them with the right tools to ensure a visible and robust presence that would deter security threats.

They also want the security agencies to enhance their efforts in intelligence collection and surveillance activities to detect, thwart, and counteract individuals or organisations contributing to insecurity.

The National Police Service (NPS) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) were urged to ensure those responsible for acts of violence, robbery, cattle rustling, criminal threats, or intimidation are swiftly brought to justice, sending a clear message that impunity will not be tolerated.

Further, the commission asked the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the National Land Commission, and other relevant agencies to investigate the connection between land ownership and the attacks, particularly along the boundaries of Samburu and neighbouring counties.

“This is due to the worries expressed by community leaders and the situation where some families have had to relocate because of safety concerns,” the commission said.

Odede said immediate action is crucial in preventing more deaths and the displacement of communities.

County duty bearers were urged to prioritise the safety and security of the affected areas, enabling people to safely return home and go about their daily activities without fear.

The commission added that anyone with information and human rights concerns relating to the insecurity in Samburu and any other part of Kenya to share it via SMS -22359 - or email- complaint@knchr.org. The WhatsApp number is 0798 849 871 while the toll-free line is 0800 720 627.