The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Tuesday asked the government to allow humanitarian agencies including the Kenya Red Cross to assist vulnerable to vacate areas identified as bandit hideouts.
The commission also asked Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kithure Kindiki to extend the time on vacation orders in the six counties.
The human rights commission is worried that the relocation move is particularly torturous for vulnerable groups in these communities, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, children, the sick, and expectant women.
The KNCHR has called on the Government to take urgent extraordinary measures to avert an impending humanitarian crisis by extending the 24-hours ultimatum.
Already the schools in the affected areas are closed indefinitely.
“The order directing residents to vacate identified troubled areas within 24 hours or be treated as criminal elements has far-reaching negative effects on their human rights and fundamental freedoms protected in Kenya’s Constitution,” read the KNCHR statement.
Kindiki ordered residents from certain regions within Samburu, West Pokot, Laikipia, Turkana, Baringo, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties to vacate ahead of a crackdown against bandits.
Kindiki Monday revised bandit hideout areas.
Through a statement, he removed Kapelbok, Nakwamoru, Lobokat, Lokoron, the Turkwell Escarpment, and Ombollion areas within Turkana and West Pokot Counties from bandit hideout areas.
In these areas, residents are advised to continue with daily activities and adhere to the ongoing operation.
The ministry sampled out other new areas on the hideout areas harboring armed criminals.
The added areas include Ng’elecha Hills and Gorges, Ramacha and Losokoni Caves, Laramoru Gorges, Karau Hills, Noosidan Escarpment, Rugus Caves, and the Amaya Gorges at the interface of Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu Counties.
Starting March 13, 2023, the residents were to vacate the added areas in 24 hours.
