KDF soldiers. KNCHR has claimed more than 100 cases of human rights violations have been reported in Garissa. [Photo;nation.co.ke)
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has said that for the last two years, they have received more than 100 cases of human rights violations in Garissa County.
KNCHR together with the Garissa human rights defenders said most of the cases were reported immediately after the deadly Garissa University College raid on April 2, 2015, that claimed the lives of 148 people.
Head of Garissa human right defenders, Mr. Muktar Dahir said some of the victims include businesspeople, clerics and their relatives, madrassa teachers and M-Pesa dealers.
Mr. Dahir said violations perpetrated by the military are the most difficult to investigate. He added that threats and intimidation of witnesses hamper investigations on human rights violations in the region.
“We all know that the military has been used to counter violent extremism in the region. It has always been a big challenge to investigate them because of their chain of commands,” he said.
KNCHR regional coordinator Thuo Kinyanjui presided over the function to mark the 69th International Human Rights Day in Garissa Town.
“We have had cases where some of the victims have directly accused the military of torture, forced disappearance and sometimes murder. But they fear to come to provide the same information to the KNCHR officials, fearing for their lives,” said the KNCHR official.