Thursday March 2, 2023
Garissa governor Nathif Jama speaking in Garissa town. He accused security agents of allegedly beating and harassing locals in the pretext of fighting terror. Image: STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Garissa governor Nathif Jama on Wednesday hit out a section of security agents whom he accused of harassing residents in the wake of renewed terror in Fafi and Dadaab sub counties terming the acts counterproductive.
The last two weeks have seen five police officers lose their lives in the same area with vehicles being destroyed.
According to Horizon Analysts and Researchers Network (HARN), an NGO that deals with matters of security, close to 15 people including security officers have lost their lives in the last two months alone.
The governor was referring to a video clip that has since gone viral where a man shows serious injuries inflicted on his back while also bleeding.
The man, in an interview, while speaking in Somali dialect goes on to narrate his ordeal.
“I was busy trying to look for water for my animals when I came across a group of men in uniform and armed with guns. They stopped me and quickly alighted from their vehicle and started beating me. I could not tell what they were asking because I don’t know Swahili. They then left me writhing in pain and drove off,” said the man.
The incident and three others have happened in the last week.
A section of leaders led by the governor is now calling on the security apparatus to practice restraint when dealing with members of the public.
Speaking in Garissa town, Jama said an intelligence-led approach and close working relations between the security apparatus and the wananchi was the only way terror can be won.
“The other day there was a clip that was going around on social media of a man who was thoroughly beaten and the way he was talking with a lot of anger. I was really offended by the beating he received on his back. I was really offended. There was no need to do that,” said the governor.
Noor Abdi Rajo from Garissa shows injuries inflicted on his back by security agents along Fafi road at Miskite on sunday last week. Image: STEPHEN ASTARIKO
“As a leader, I am always talking to my people on matters of security whenever I have an opportunity. Let's work closely with the security apparatus on intelligence matters. But if our own police officers run amok and start beating people how then do they expect the same people to provide this intelligence they badly need to fight these criminal elements?"
Jama said that during this time of drought, pastoralists move far and wide both during the day and at night in search of water and pasture for their animals hence, beating them will only serve a salt to an injury.
Garissa deputy County Commissioner Solomon Chesut speaking in Garissa town. He called on both leaders and locals to cooperate with the security agents by offering intelligence that will lead to arrest of criminals. Image: STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Northeastern regional commissioner John Otieno acknowledged receiving complaints from a section of residents.
He said the matter will be investigated adding that action will be taken against those found to have been involved in any way.
According to Abdishukri Jelle, Garissa county MUHURI coordinator, they were investigating cases of torture in the last two weeks.
He said the latest incident happened three days ago where men travelling in a probox along the Fafi road were stopped by officers who proceeded to beat them.
“What our special forces are doing to the residents goes against the human rights base approach. They are not trained to use a non-violent approach. As much as they are hunting for criminals, their actions will only end up being counterproductive,” he said.