Police authorities have denied any involvement in civilian abductions as reported by Human Rights Watch on Wednesday.
The report stated that over 34 people mostly from the Somali ethnic communities were allegedly abducted, tortured and even killed by the Kenyan Anti-Terrorism Police Units.
However, just a day after the report, Police spokesman, Charles Owino has discarded the revelations noting the police force are governed by rules and regulations that are in accordance with constitutional provisions on human rights.
“From where we are currently sitting, no police officer is involved. There is no provision in the force that allows an officer to kill extra-judicially. We are in a country where there is a constitution and laws. Let another independent body conduct further investigations,” stated Owino.
The spokesman firmly stated that if it was proven that any police officer was involved in such dealings, the individual officers will take personal responsibility for their actions.
“If there is tangible evidence, we shall prosecute the named officers. We will never protect anyone who willingly breaks the law,” he added.
Anti-militant security operations began in North Eastern counties of Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa shortly after the tragic Al-Shabaab September 2013 attack that claimed at least 67 people died.
The security moves further intensified after the Al-Qaeda-linked terror group raided Garissa University College killing at least 147 students.