Civilians displaced as operation targets bandits

Hundreds of civilians have been displaced and dozens injured in Samburu East District of northern Kenya in an ongoing operation to flush out bandits, sources said.



However, police spokesman Eric Kiraithe denied claims that security officers deployed in the area had tortured civilians.



"We launched this operation after bandits shot at four policemen," he told IRIN. "The operation will continue to net guns held illegally in the area and until all stolen livestock is returned to the owners."



Health officials at Wamba Mission Hospital said 25 people had been treated for injuries sustained during the operation.



The Community for Development Support NGO said at least 2,000 people had been displaced from Lerata, Solorobi, and Archers areas.



Joseph Lepario, a member of the NGO, said they had been denied access to the area. Ten children had been separated from their parents while 1,200 heads of cattle had been confiscated from the community.

We have received reports of torture but we were barred from accessing the operation area

Fabian Lolosoli, a local leader, said the operation could aggravate conflict between pastoralists in Isiolo and Samburu, while Peter Lekolool, a local human rights activist, said he had received reports of rape.



"We have received reports of torture but we were barred from accessing the operation area; we are determined to pursue the issue to establish the real picture," he said.



The police and paramilitary General Service Unit personnel were deployed in the area in February to curb drought-related conflict between communities living along the border of Samburu and Isiolo districts.



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