Soldiers deny harassing residents in Kapedo, Turkana
KDF choppers at Chemolingot in Baringo County on November 5, 2014. Businesses continue to bear the brunt of insecurity in Baringo and Turkana counties despite the presence of security officers. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- KDF denied causing any damage in the region, saying that its soldiers had already left the area before the alleged looting and harassment occurred.
- KDF said the approval passed by Parliament for sending the army to conflict-ridden regions in northern Kenya in November 2013 was still valid.
- The defence forces added that Parliament had been informed of their deployment through a special Gazette notice.
- KDF is battling a public relations crisis, including a lawsuit slapped on the government.
The military has denied harassing residents or looting and burning homes in Kapedo, Turkana County.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, the Kenya Defence Forces denied causing any damage in the region, saying that its soldiers had already left the area before the alleged looting and harassment occurred.
“The KDF was not in Kapedo on the night of November 6, 2014 and neither was it involved in any night operation, nor take part in looting or burning of property.
"KDF moved from Kapedo at 1500hrs to establish an operational base at Chepsitet,” read the statement.
The army also denied claims by Pokot leaders that it was illegally sent to Kapedo.
KDF said the approval passed by Parliament for sending the army to conflict-ridden regions in northern Kenya in November 2013 was still valid.
The defence forces added that Parliament had been informed of their deployment through a special Gazette notice, nullifying claims that the army’s activities were not sanctioned by the National Assembly.
KDF is battling a public relations crisis, including a lawsuit slapped on the government after leaders and organisations questioned the integrity of its operations in insecure regions.
On Wednesday, Defence Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo ruled out the possibility of the government withdrawing the military from supporting security operations in the Kapedo area, on the Turkana-Baringo border.
“We shall not listen to politicians because criminals cannot be allowed to take charge.
"Let the security personnel do their best to restore peace,” Mr Iringo said.
Some leaders and human rights activists have urged the government to reconsider the decision to deploy the military in Kapedo following the killing of 21 Administration Police officers.
The security personnel who are mopping up illegal firearms from the pastoralist communities have been accused of harassing the locals, with some claiming that they have been roughed up and their properties burnt down.
DISARM ALL
On Tuesday, MPs urged the government to disarm people in all communities in the Rift Valley where cattle rustling is common.
They said that disarming only one community may expose it to other armed neighbours.
While praising the current operation by security officers in Kapedo, the MPs said the exercise should be spread to cover all the regions affected by cattle rustling.
They also said the campaign should have a human face and innocent Kenyans should not be tortured or harassed.
The MPs had adjourned House business for an hour to speak about the rising insecurity in the country, saying it was important for the government to take the problem more seriously.
Majority Leader Aden Duale defended the government’s decision to deploy the military in Kapedo, saying it was a decision taken by the National Security Council, which is chaired by the President.
