KNCHR calls on state to restore security in Baringo as exams start

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has called on the government to ensure adequate security personnel are deployed to the North Rift areas experiencing a resurgence of insecurity.

KNCHR in a statement on Friday raised concern that the resurgence of insecurity in Baringo South and more notably, in the regions of Kiserian, Mukutani, Kapindasum, Arabal and Kasiela might disrupt the national examinations expected to commence across the country.

“This alarming insecurity has given rise to tension and panic among the residents, particularly as schools within the area are on the brink of sitting for the national exams,” KNCHR chairperson Roseline Odede said.

The commission now wants the government to secure examination centres and ensure the safety of students, teachers, examination officials, and supervisors and ensure that the national exams are conducted in a secure and safe environment.

“The commission views the safety and security of students, teachers, examination officials, supervisors and the entire community members as of paramount concern,” Odede said.

The commission further wants the Interior Ministry to ensure security agencies intensify their intelligence-gathering and surveillance operations.

This, Odede said, will help to identify and neutralize individuals or groups responsible for the insecurity.

“The government should ensure that those responsible for any acts of violence, intimidation or disruption are expeditiously brought to justice, clearly conveying that impunity will not be tolerated,” Odede noted.

Odede called on the government to protect the human rights of all Kenyan citizens as enshrined in the Constitution, adding that residents in the affected areas should be able to go about their daily lives without fear or intimidation.

“KNCHR calls upon the government to assume a duty-bound position and employ all available means to ensure that the safety and security of the affected populace is both enhanced and guaranteed,” she said.

This comes barely two days after gunmen engaged the police in a shootout in Baringo.

There was panic at Kapindasum village in Baringo South subcounty on Tuesday morning after bandits attacked security officers.

The gunmen targeted General Service Unit personnel on a routine patrol, prompting a fierce gun battle for more than two hours.

Officials said the bandits surrounded Kapindasum Primary School and the neighbouring GSU camp.

There is an ongoing joint operation in the area.  Guns and bullets have been recovered during the operation.

Despite the voluntary surrender of firearms that has taken place so far, there are still thousands of guns, ammunitions, and other weapons in the hands of criminals.

The joint Security Operation in the area is led by the National Police Service with the assistance of the Kenya Defence Forces.