Undercover squad that works to wipe out terrorists

Wednesday, September 04, 2013

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Sources within the police said that Said Mohammed was taken out by High Risk Officers.

To recruit men for the job, the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) looked for one of their own who they knew could carry the greatest risk.

They did not necessarily need cops who respected the law; they wanted officers who did not respect life.

They came together at the CID headquarters in a disbanded unit known as Kwekwe, reportedly known for forced disappearances and executions, which was formed to hunt down Mungiki members.

They envisioned a unit that could carry out assignments, run undercover operations and cultivate a network of fear. In short, they wanted to have their own band of killer cops.

With the rising grenade attacks, they realised that they could not simply rely on ordinary police officers to prevent terrorism. They needed officers with experience and clout, and most importantly, individuals who would not talk.

“In 2013 alone, and this is in about six or seven months, we have confirmed at least 13 disappearances and executions. Last year, there were 18 cases,” Hussein Khalid, Muslims for Human Rights ( MUHURI) Executive Director says.

Confirmed executions

“These are the ones that we have knowledge of. We don’t know how many go unreported.”

Khalid says that out of the 31 confirmed executions, MUHURI has only confirmed two shoot-outs.

“ATPU has turned into a terror gang itself. It’s working with financial resources from the international community, including the US, and political support from the Government of Kenya,” he adds.

Khalid is convinced that ATPU is involved in human rights violations and breaking the law.

“I can say for sure say that ATPU is not fighting terrorism but rather they are increasing it in this region. ATPU is widening the gap between communities and security organisations.”

Last week, Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo replied to our requests, stating that he would give us an interview to address the issues at a later date. There are also several foreign security agents involved locally in the war on terror.

“Some of the people arrested have told us that from the time of arrest they did not deal with a Kenyan until the time of their release,” Khalid said.

One case is that of Mohammed Sahir who was abducted in Mombasa town. He said that from the moment of his arrest until he was released, he dealt with persons with a heavy American accent. They tortured him through electrocution.

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