Haki Africa executive director Hussein Khalid and Francis Auma at their Mombasa offices. [Photo/ Maxwell Ngala]
Human Rights activists at the Coast have raised concern over fresh cases of forced disappearance of persons in the region.The activists, led by Haki Africa executive director Hussein Khalid said cases of forced disappearances similar to the ones witnessed in 2014 and 2015 when the Anti-Terror Police Unit launched a fight against terrorism have started emerging.Khalid said the cases recently witnessed in Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa are causing fear among locals.“Two weeks ago two people vanished in the hands of security agents but the Anti-Terror Unit has denied responsibility,” said Khalid.He said one was whisked away in Bamburi, while the second person was arrested outside the Mombasa Law Court in the broad daylight.“As Human Rights defenders we are worried since when we enquire from the police, no tangible information is given,” added Khalid.On his part, Francis Auma, a Haki Africa official said the family of Mohammed Khalfan was told to record a missing person’s case at the Bmburi Police station.“We are not happy about being forced to report the incident as a missing person. Why are the police distancing themselves from these human rights violations?” asked Auma.Auma said they will seek assistance from the African Union and other international human rights lobbies to address the issue.“Our son was whisked away by armed people believed to be police officers in Bamburi last weekend,” said Halima Abeid, Khalfan’s mother.The two missing persons hail from Kisauni Constituency.