Human rights defenders at the Coast are calling on the government to setup an independent special investigation unit to end gross human rights violation in the country.
The defenders led by Muslims for Human Rights-MUHURI said that the independent Special Investigation Unit-SIU was long overdue as cases of forced disappearances and extra judicial have resurfaced.
Addressing journalists at Mama Ngina drive in Mombasa during a commemoration of the Human rights day on Monday, MUHURI Executive director Hassan Abdille said human rights defenders have been in a series of meetings with top security agents and plans to constitute a special investigation unit to curb human rights violation were underway.
Abdille said many cases have been reported from Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa counties but the government remained numb over the issue.
He appealed to Interior Cabinet secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i and Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Hajj to immediately form the unit which will be mandated in investigating and taking appropriate actions to end the atrocities witnessed at the Coast and other parts of the country.
“We are today meeting Dr. Matiang’i and Mr. Hajj we are not relenting on this until they heed our cry,” noted Mr. Abdille.
On his part, the Executive director InformAction, a human rights organisation Mr. James Shimekha asked the defenders to unite in fighting for Kenyans rights.
“I extend my appeal to you journalists, lets join hands in creating human rights space in our nation we are all mandated to protect the rights and dignity of all Kenyans,” he said.
Meanwhile, Haki yetu Executive director Father Gabriel Dolan asked the government to cease depicting human rights defenders as enemies.
He said human rights defenders are mandate to remind the government of its responsibilities in protecting human rights and dignity.
“As rights defenders, we are only asking the government to implement the constitution and not criticizing it,” he noted.
Human rights day marks the ends of 16 days of activism marked globally.
