NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has condemned what it terms excessive use of force and serious human rights violations by multi-agency security officers during Operation Maliza Uhalifu in parts of Baringo County.
In a statement dated February 9, 2026, the Commission said it had documented grave abuses during security operations in Silale and surrounding areas in the North Rift region.
According to KNCHR, officers from the Special Operations Group (SOG) shot and killed livestock belonging to pastoralist communities on January 26, 2026, including more than 70 cattle, 10 camels, and 50 goats.
The Commission said the operation also involved excessive force against civilians and local government officials during disarmament exercises.
KNCHR further reported destruction of property, closure of essential services such as markets and water points, and the displacement of residents in areas including Nginyang, Riongo, Naudo and Sialle.
“These actions have destabilised already vulnerable communities and deepened a humanitarian crisis,” the Commission said.
The watchdog noted that the affected populations are largely pastoralists whose livelihoods depend entirely on livestock, warning that the killings have caused severe socio-economic harm.
The situation has been worsened by climate-related pressures such as drought, food insecurity and loss of grazing land.
KNCHR said the violations were taking place in a region already grappling with recurring banditry attacks, which have disrupted access to education, security, and property rights.
The Commission expressed concern that fear of reprisals has discouraged victims from filing formal complaints, pointing to what it described as a climate of intimidation.
While acknowledging the government’s responsibility to restore peace and security, KNCHR stressed that all security operations must comply with the Constitution of Kenya, national laws, and international human rights standards.
The Commission called on security agencies to adopt a rights-respecting and community-based approach, ensure uninterrupted access to essential services, and work closely with local leaders to promote peace.
It urged security leadership to focus on the root causes of banditry, including the sponsors of armed groups and the flow of illegal firearms, rather than punitive measures against civilians.
KNCHR also called for independent oversight, urging the government to allow monitoring by bodies such as KNCHR and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
It further proposed compensation for families that lost livestock and property during the operation.
At the same time, the Commission encouraged local communities to support disarmament efforts by surrendering illegal weapons and cooperating with authorities through community policing.
“The purpose of human rights is to preserve human dignity and promote social justice,” KNCHR said, warning that security interventions that destroy livelihoods risk escalating conflict rather than restoring stability.
The Commission urged the public to report violations through its official channels as investigations continue.
