Cases of human rights violation at the Kenyan Coast have increased at an alarming rate since the beginning of this year compared to last year, a recent report by Mombasa based human rights lobby Haki Afica has revealed.
The reports indicate that a total of 105 cases of assorted violations of human rights were reported across the region between January and March this year.
January recorded the highest number of cases standing at 45, with February recording 35 and March 26 in the report that focused on the situation of human rights in the six Coast Counties including; Taita Taveta, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu.
In a statement, Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid stated that of the reported cases, there was a notable sharp increase in violence and sexual harassment against women.
“Several cases attest to this including the rape and railroad attack of a woman in Kibarani slums on February, the defilement of 13 year-old dumb girl in Bondeni area also on February and the murder of a commercial sex worker in March,” noted Khalid further stating that there were also incidents of killing of suspects in Kwale County and also cases of disappearances as well as harassment of citizens by police.
Mob justice cases were also on the increase in Wundanyi, Bombolulu, Old Town and Changamwe, the reported further said.
Khalid further pointed out that the report established that there was an in cases of domestic violence with cases of men battering appearing to dominate especially in Mombasa areas.
“…for example in Changamwe, a wife was reported to have chopped off her husband’s private parts… labor issues were also on the increase as was the case of an employee who was beaten up by an ex-employer. Criminal gangs also continue to wreck havoc in old town and Kisauni areas of Mombasa” he said and appealed for thorough and conclusive investigations to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book and human rights are upheld.
While noting the above situation calls for more vigilance on human rights in the region, the Excutive Director observed that it is imperative for the relevant authorities to tame the trend to avoid it from worsening as the General Election approaches.
“It is worrying to note that as we head towards elections we are experiencing more human rights violations. The authorities must do more to curb this,” said Khalid.
