Army denies role in Wagalla killings

The military was not directly involved in the Wagalla massacre, a former general has said.

Former army chief Gen Joseph Kibwana, who was director of military intelligence during the massacre, Friday described the incident as a low-intensity, internal security operation in which the military played an insignificant role.

Appearing before the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, Gen Kibwana said the massacre had been “hyped up” to portray the military as attackers and killers of innocent civilians.

“No government will engage armed forces to fight its own people,” said Gen Kibwana.

Mr Joseph Muthui Ndirangu, acting head of the Special Branch in North Eastern province during the massacre, said the operation was a success.

Appearing for the second day in a row, he said seven guns and ammunition were recovered before the shooting started.

“Recovering the firearms and ammunition was a success,” he said.

He said 381 men were at Wagalla airstrip.

Mr Ndirangu said the people directly involved in the operation should be punished for not liaising with their superiors.

He said the operation was largely planned and executed by the Wajir District Security Committee.

“They should have informed us of everything taking place on the ground,” he said.

The former intelligence chief insisted that no more than 57 people died in the shootings.

The numbers, according to the commission, range between 1,000 and 5,000.

Mr Ndirangu suggested that the high numbers be cross-checked with national census figures for the area.