The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) says there are violations and abuses on civilians by police officers in the recently launched security operation dubbed ‘Ondoa Jangili’ in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties.
KNHCR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris flagged the security operations citing numerous violations of the law such as killings, abductions, enforced disappearances, violence towards the elderly, intimidation and illegal confiscation of personal property.
“While we appreciate the importance of the operation, the KNCHR expresses its deep concern and condemnation regarding the alarming human rights violations reported since the onset of the Operation that according to the Police was intended to target criminals conducting illegal activities that pose a serious threat to Kenya’s national security,” read the statement.
“We are particularly troubled by the killing of a local by security personnel, abductions and enforced disappearances as well as violent treatment of numerous civilians, including the elderly and local leaders.”KNHCR highlighted some of the violations spanning from the fatal shooting of a pillion passenger Galgalo Abkul Boru on February 23, 2025, by officers on patrol who sprayed bullets on a boda-boda rider, who is still nursing head and hand bullet wounds.
In another incident, seven men from three different locations were abducted, torturing of a Chief of Malka Daka location, a local medic and two other locals on February 9 and assaulting of 10 locals on February 3.
The Commission further accused police of arresting a 5-year-old boy to intimidate and force his father to surrender to the police and also confiscating 150 goats and several motorbikes, actions which violate the people’s rights.
“One of the abductees, Idris Edin, who was taken on the 22nd of February, 2025, is still missing. It is reported that a group of armed police officers conducted a raid that involved unlawful detention, physical assault, and intimidation of innocent civilians. Police in Garbatulla and Isiolo have allegedly refused to record statements from Idris Edin’s family,” KNHCR stated.
“Torture against the Chief of Malka Daka location together with a local medic and two other locals by police officers conducting the operation. It is reported that the four were harassed and assaulted overnight on February 7, 2025.”
The Human Rights Watch implored the government and the relevant authorities, such as the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), to ensure those culpable are held accountable and brought to justice.
While underscoring that ‘the right to security and safety should not come at the cost of fundamental human rights,’ KNHCR says it will pursue legal redress to ensure human rights are upheld.
“The Commission calls upon IPOA to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into the events during ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili, ’ including the killing of Galgalo Abkul Boru and abduction of Idris Edin and the mistreatment of locals in violation of the Prevention of Torture Act,” stated Nyeris.
“The National Police Service to ensure that all officers involved in this operation are held accountable for their actions, in accordance with the law.”
KNHRCR also wants both levels of government and other humanitarian organizations involved in the operation to provide immediate assistance and protection to the displaced families and those affected by the operations, including psychological support and legal aid.
Operation “Ondoa Jangili” was launched on February 3 targeting a criminal network operated by remnants of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in the two counties.
The operation started on February 3.
Police said the group had taken advantage of close family and cultural ties between the Borana of Kenya and Oromo of Ethiopia to infiltrate and hide amongst the population and continue committing atrocities causing untold suffering.
The operation was launched after both Kenya and Ethiopia accused the OLA of committing crimes in the area.
Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja said the high-level operation will target criminals conducting illegal operations that pose a serious threat to Kenyan national security.
“These include arms, drug and human trafficking, illegal mining, instigating tribal conflicts and kidnapping for ransom especially in Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, and Merti Sub-counties,” he said.
He assured the local communities in the aforementioned areas of their security while also appealing to them to remain calm and cooperate with the security teams on the ground.
OLA is an armed opposition group active in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia.
The OLA consists primarily of former armed members of the pre-peace deal with Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) who refused to disarm out of skepticism of the deal, and former youth protestors who grew disillusioned with nonviolent resistance.
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