Rights lobby starts inquiry into herders’ conflicts

A public inquiry has been launched into perennial conflicts in marginalised regions, with hearings starting in Baringo on Monday.

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights chairperson Kagwiria Mbogori launched the inquiry on Tuesday and said she was optimistic that those adversely mentioned will be prosecuted.

The inquiry targets the North Rift conflict among pastoralists and the coast and northern Kenya regions.

The commission said in the past three years, 1,894 people were killed in gun violence, 574 in ethnic clashes, 260 in robberies and 277 in terrorist attacks.

Ninety one police officers were killed over the same period, 180,300 people were displaced, 3,682 livestock stolen and 845 households set ablaze.

“We have a constitutional mandate to protect, observe and promote human rights in Kenya,” Ms Mbogori said in Nairobi at the launch.

“The inquiry will have sittings and hearings at centres in Baringo, East Pokot, West Pokot and Turkana,” she said.

She said the findings, results and recommendations will be published “and shared with relevant players in both public and private institutions for remedial action”.

“Kenya National Commission on Human Rights will seek redress for victims and survivors,” she added.

Commission vice chairman George Morara assured witnesses and those who give oral or written submissions that they will be protected.