Nairobi 14th May, 2025
KNCHR condemns escalating violence in Mandera County
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) condoles with family and kin who have lost loved ones in the recent spate of attacks in Mandera County. These violent attacks that have now claimed more than 10 lives including that of a 6 month old and injured many are an affront to the enjoyment of peace and the right to life.
The incidents in Muruthow Village in Banisa Constituency and the border areas of Mandera North and Mandera West must be addressed with the utmost urgency.
Summary of incidents:
1. On 8th May 2025 in Muruthow village: Six people including a mother and her six-month-old child, three other minors aged 3yrs, 4yrs and 8yrs respectively were killed and two other adults while four others were injured in a brutal dawn attack.
2. On 10th May 2025 in Gofa-Qurdubo area: A pastoralist was killed while another was seriously injured.
It is alleged that all the persons who have lost their lives and those injured come from one of the clans in the area which will exacerbate tensions between the communities that co - exist in the region and cause potential mass clashes and further death and destruction. The Commission notes that these attacks highlight a disturbing pattern of targeted violence, which risks plunging Mandera County into a cycle of revenge and ethnic violence.
Human Rights Concerns
1. Right to life and freedom of security of the person: The repeated attacks undermine the fundamental right to life enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya and international human rights instruments that Kenya has ratified.
2. Humanitarian crisis: Due to heightened fear, the violence has caused displacement, and trauma among affected families, necessitating the need for immediate humanitarian intervention.
3. The need for accountability: To strengthen public trust in security apparatus in the region, arrests or prosecutions must be seen to happen to curb a culture of impunity.
Recommendations:
The KNCHR calls for the following urgent actions;
1. The Commission calls for immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the hotspot areas, to protect civilians, their property and prevent further attacks.
2. The Commission further calls for prompt, impartial, and transparent investigations to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of these heinous acts.
3 The Commission calls for community dialogue to strengthened peace building efforts, including inter-clan dialogue and reconciliation initiatives, to address underlying tensions and foster lasting peace.
The KNCHR continues to monitor the situation closely and working with all stakeholders, including government agencies, community leaders, and civil society, to ensure the protection of human rights in Mandera County. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize peaceful coexistence.
We are calling upon residents in Mandera to share complaints and concerns through the KNCHR toll free number 0800 720 627, text us through SMS 22359. Or contact our North Eastern Regional Office 0794-375-288 or 07-94-376-259.
Haki Kwa wote kila wakati!
Dr. Raymond Nyeris, Ph.D,
Vice Chairperson,
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).