The National Police Service has been accused of carrying out human rights violations as they carry out their security Operation Ondoa Jangili in Isiolo and Marsbit counties launched on February 3, 2025, to flush out hideouts used by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
In a March 4, 2025, statement from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the arrest of a five year old child was noted as one of the violations.
“The Commission appreciates that something is being done following the complaints about infiltration of people in the Marsabit and Isiolo Counties allegedly from neighboring Counties. The infiltration is said to have led to insecurity in the region among other human rights violations concerns. 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 KNCHR’s statement in part.
The Commission said it was troubled by police officers severally using intimidation tactics including, “arresting a 5-year old boy to force the father to surrender to the police. These acts of aggression not only violate the sanctity of their home but also instill fear within the
community.”
Additionally, KNCHR accused the Kenya National Police Service of fatally shooting Galgalo Abkul Boru, a pillion passenger on a motorcycle at whom police allegedly sprayed bullets, abductions and enforced disappearances of seven men from three different locations, torture against the Chief of Malka Daka location, a local medic and other locals; as well as the rounding up and beating of locals in Iress Aboru.
“Eyewitness accounts reveal a disturbing pattern of behavior that is inconsistent with the principles of human rights and the rule of law. The lack of cooperation from law enforcement agencies is indicative of a systemic failure to uphold the rights of individuals and to protect them from arbitrary detention. Pursuant to its mandate, the Commission has been and will continue monitoring the operation
and carrying out independent investigations on any human rights violations. The KNCHR will also seek appropriate redress services including appearing in court on Habeas Corpus to seek accountability for missing and abducted persons,” added the Commission.
KNCHR also called on the Independent Police Oversight Authority to conduct a thorough investigation into the aforementioned events, the National Police Service to hold involved officers accountable for their actions, the National and County governments to provide immediate assistance and protection to displaced families and the Police to declare in court items collected as exhibits when suspects are arraigned.
According to the National Police Service, “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. “
