The Star
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
A
Human Rights organization has criticized the ongoing security operation
in Garissa. The Northern Forum for Democracy has accused police
officers of violating human rights during the operation to flush out
terrorists in the county.
Khalif Abdi Farah, the organization’s coordinator
alleged that police are harassing, beating locals and even looting
their property under the guise of looking for criminals.
“It is very unfortunate that whenever something
happens in Garissa and security officers decide to carry out an
operation, it is the innocent people who end up suffering while the
real culprits roam freely.How do they expect to win the confidence of
the people to provide them with information if they continue doing
this,”said Khalif.
North Eastern PPO Charles Mureithi has however
dismissed the accusation stating that police officers have acted
humanely while carrying out the operation.
The government announced the massive operation
following the killing of ten people in a hotel in Garissa on Thursday
last week. Four people were also injured during the incident.
Speaking during a tour of the area with top
security officials on Saturday, Internal Security Permanent Secretary,
Mutea Iringo said the operation will be carried out in a bid to
restore order in the town.
Irigo also announced the interdiction of security
and administrative officers in Garissa . Iringo said the officers are
suspected to have been involved in unlawful activities in the area and
have been removed from office to pave way for investigations.
“Similar action will be taken against customs
officers involved in illegal activities,” warned Iringo after
returning to Nairobi from Garissa where he led a high level security
team to assess the growing levels of insecurity.
A curfew has also been imposed in the town with
boda boda operators and taxi-drivers only being allowed to operate
only between 6am and 6pm.
The government is also offering a cash reward of
between Sh50,000 to Sh100,000 to any member of the public who can
provide information on criminal gangs operating in the town.