The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has condemned the killing of livestock and alleged use of extra-judicial methods by security officers involved in the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift region, warning that the actions risk worsening human rights violations in already vulnerable communities.
In a statement issued by its Chairperson, Claris Ogangah, the Commission said it has been closely monitoring the security situation in the region, which continues to experience recurrent banditry attacks that have led to loss of life, displacement, destruction of property, and disruption of essential services such as education and healthcare.
KNCHR noted that the violations disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including women, children, and older persons, and undermine constitutional protections, particularly the right to life, security of the person, and property.
While commending the Government for the ongoing multi-agency disarmament exercise aimed at recovering illegally held firearms, the Commission expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Turkwel Belt, covering Takaywa, Kainuk, Ompolion, and Kakong areas. According to the Commission, the region has recorded a surge in banditry and cattle rustling incidents, resulting in displacement, deaths, and massive livestock losses.
The Commission reported that on 26 January 2026, more than 70 cattle, 10 camels, and 50 goats were allegedly killed in Silale area by officers attached to the Special Operations Group (SOG) during disarmament operations in Tiaty Constituency, Baringo County. KNCHR warned that such actions have devastating socio-economic consequences for pastoralist communities that rely almost entirely on livestock for their livelihoods, particularly amid worsening drought and climate-related shocks.
During a situational analysis mission to Baringo County, KNCHR said its access to some operational areas was limited due to stringent security protocols. Despite these restrictions, the Commission documented multiple allegations of human rights violations, including excessive use of force by SOG officers affecting civilians and local administrators such as chiefs and their assistants.
Additional concerns raised include reported destruction of property in Riongo, Naudo, and Silale; closure of marketplaces and water points in Nginyang, Riongo, Naudo, and Silale; and displacement of residents in Silale, Riongo, and Nginyang.
The Commission further noted that affected residents have been reluctant to file formal complaints with police or National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), citing fear of reprisals.
KNCHR emphasized that the affected areas are already disproportionately impacted by climate change, food insecurity, and poverty, and cautioned that security interventions must be sensitive to the socio-economic and environmental realities of pastoralist communities to avoid escalating tensions and criminality.
Citing Article 19(2) of the Constitution, the Commission reiterated that the protection of human rights is intended to preserve dignity, promote social justice, and enable communities to realise their full potential.
In its call to action, KNCHR urged security agencies to ensure that Operation Maliza Uhalifu is conducted in strict compliance with constitutional, legal, and international human rights standards. It called for a holistic security approach that safeguards civilian access to education, healthcare, markets, grazing land, and water points, while promoting inter- and intra-community peace initiatives.
The Commission also urged the Government to investigate the root causes of banditry, dismantle networks that supply illegal firearms, facilitate oversight by bodies such as KNCHR and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and consider compensating civilians who lost livestock and property during the operation.
At the same time, KNCHR called on local communities to support disarmament efforts by surrendering illegal firearms and embracing community policing to enhance information-sharing and prevent further insecurity.
