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Kenya: Probe Torture Claims in Mt Elgon Operation
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The Nation (Nairobi)
17 May 2008
Posted to the web 16 May 2008
Nairobi
The latest report alleging gross human rights abuses in Mt Elgon District has been met with the usual denials by officialdom.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights claims thousands have been executed and secretly buried in mass graves deep in the forest during the ongoing military campaign against the Sabaot Land Defense Force.
The human rights body claims residents of Mt Elgon have been subjected to severe brutalities, including torture, severe beatings, rape and illegal confinement.
This is just the latest in a number of reports alleging systematic atrocities, and comes with the recommendation that many top security officials in the country-including the Defence minister, the Police Commissioner, Kenya Armed Forces Chief of Staff and the Kenya Army Commander - be prosecuted.
The Government has accused the authors of having ulterior motives and not providing evidence. It is true that there is a lot of gaps in the report. A close reading shows little to support the mass murders claims.
Much of the evidence seems to be based on unverified claims and rumours. It is odd that in the first instance the report talks of "dozens" killed and later on escalates the figure to "thousands".
Despite the shortcomings in the report, the issue of atrocities in Mt Elgon must be addressed.
The authorities must seriously investigate all the allegations and take appropriate action on any individuals or groups that may found culpable.
If the official human rights watchdog cannot be trusted to undertake an impartial investigation, then neutral groups, perhaps with international presence, should be called in.
It is also time that the policy of involving the army in what should be a police function was reviewed, as well as the closing of Mt Elgon as a security operation zone without invoking the required proclamation.
If the Government has nothing to hide, the media, human rights monitors and relief agencies should be allowed unhindered access to the area.
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Finally, the Government must move with haste to resolve the initial land disputes that led to formation of the illegal militia, and which has also spawned rival armed groups.
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