The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has condemned the shooting of livestock and the alleged use of extra-judicial means by security officers conducting Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift region, warning that the actions risk worsening human rights violations and deepening hardship for already vulnerable communities.
In a press statement issued on February 9, 2026, the Commission said it was closely monitoring the security situation in the region, which has been marked by recurrent banditry attacks and widespread instability.
It noted that these incidents have resulted in serious and widespread human rights violations, including violations of the right to life, education and security of the person, as well as the destruction of property, displacement of communities, and disruption of access to essential services.
According to KNCHR, the violations have had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, including women, children and older persons.
The Commission said it had repeatedly advised security agencies and state authorities to develop and implement effective, coordinated, and rights-compliant strategies aimed at achieving lasting peace.
While commending the government for the ongoing disarmament exercise by multi-agency security teams aimed at recovering illegally held firearms, the Commission expressed concern over a deteriorating security situation in parts of the Turkwel Belt.
It highlighted Takaywa, Kainuk, Ompolion, and Kakong as areas where incidents of banditry and cattle rustling have increased, leading to loss of life, displacement, and significant livestock losses.
The Commission said it had documented reports from the Silale area in Baringo County where “more than 70 cattle, 10 camels, and 50 goats were allegedly killed on January 26, 2026, by the Special Operations Group (SOG)”.
It noted that the operation was taking place in Tiaty Constituency and affected predominantly pastoralist communities who depend almost entirely on livestock for their livelihoods.
KNCHR warned that the loss or killing of livestock has devastating socio-economic consequences, particularly in a region already grappling with the adverse effects of climate change, including drought and food insecurity.
It said these challenges compound the suffering of communities and heighten the risk of further instability.
During a situational analysis mission to Baringo County, the Commission said it assessed conditions in selected areas of operation, though comprehensive coverage was limited by strict security protocols in zones designated as active operation areas.
Despite these constraints, KNCHR said it documented several allegations of human rights violations.
These included reports of excessive use of force by officers attached to the Special Operations Group during disarmament operations, affecting civilians and even government officials, notably local chiefs and their assistants.
The Commission also cited reports of destruction of property in Riongo, Naudo, and Silale, closure of marketplaces and water points in Nginyang, Riongo, Naudo, and Silale, and displacement of populations in Silale, Riongo, and Nginyang.
The Commission further noted that residents had not filed formal reports with police stations or senior government administrators due to fears of reprisals against them.
It said the incidents continued to have significant adverse effects on communities already disproportionately affected by climate change and insecurity.
KNCHR reinforced that Article 19(2) of Kenya’s Constitution affirms that the purpose of protecting human rights is to preserve dignity, promote social justice, and enable individuals and communities to realise their full potential.
While reaffirming its support for government efforts to restore peace, the Commission stressed that all security operations must strictly comply with constitutional, legal, and international human rights standards.
It cautioned that the ongoing operation should not be used as a license to unleash punishment and occasion more harm to the already suffering communities.
In a detailed call to action, KNCHR urged security teams to adopt a holistic approach that includes protecting access to education, healthcare, markets, grazing land, and water points, while working with local leaders and civil society to promote peace.
It also called on the government to consider compensating civilians whose livestock were killed or property destroyed.
The Commission encouraged the public to continue reporting human rights violations through its established channels, as it pressed for accountability, transparency and a human rights-based approach to security operations in the North Rift.
