Anger is rising in West Pokot after leaders accused the Kenya Defence Forces of violently assaulting chiefs and National Police Reservists during a meeting meant to address security concerns.
Local officials claim soldiers attached to Operation Maliza Uhalifu stormed a meeting in Sigor and allegedly caned chiefs, leaving several hospitalized. The claims have triggered outrage among residents and political leaders, who now demand answers from the government.
Critics argue the incident raises serious questions about the conduct of security operations in the North Rift. As pressure mounts, calls are growing for an urgent investigation into the alleged KDF cane chiefs incident.
KDF Cane Chiefs and NPRs Triggering Political and Community Outrage in West Pokot
Leaders from West Pokot have strongly condemned what they describe as a humiliating and violent assault on local administrators by soldiers deployed in the region.
Seker Ward MCA Jane Mengich led the criticism, claiming several chiefs and National Police Reservists were beaten during a meeting convened by the Deputy County Commissioner. According to her, the meeting was meant to address security issues affecting the volatile border region between West Pokot and Elgeyo-Marakwet.
However, the gathering reportedly turned chaotic when soldiers entered the venue and allegedly began caning the chiefs and reservists. Mengich said the chiefs had gathered peacefully when the situation escalated unexpectedly.
“I am angered by what happened at the headquarters of the DCC. The DCC invited the chiefs and NPRs to his office. Before he finished addressing the chiefs, KDF officers came in and the chiefs were beaten thoroughly,” she told journalists while addressing the media on Friday.
Several chiefs reportedly sustained injuries and were later admitted to hospitals across the region for treatment. The claims have shocked residents who view chiefs as key representatives of the national government at the grassroots level.
Chiefs and NPRs Allegedly Hospitalised After KDF Caned Them
Mengich stated that multiple administrators were injured during the incident and continue to receive treatment. She alleged that assistant chiefs were also caught in the assault, describing the incident as both violent and humiliating for public servants.
“Chiefs have been admitted to various hospitals,” she said, adding that the leaders suffered injuries that required medical attention.
According to her account, the chiefs had not committed any wrongdoing that would justify such treatment. “I am against the caning of chiefs. I don’t see the mistake the chiefs made,” Mengich added.
The MCA has now urged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to intervene and order an immediate investigation into the alleged abuse of power. She also called on the government to protect chiefs and other administrators who serve in high-risk regions while supporting security operations.
So far, neither the Kenya Defence Forces nor the Ministry of Interior has publicly responded to the allegations. Their silence has intensified public concern and increased pressure on authorities to clarify what happened.
Security Operation Under Scrutiny in North Rift
The alleged KDF cane chiefs incident has placed fresh scrutiny on Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a major security operation targeting banditry in the North Rift.
Security forces launched the operation to flush out armed bandits, recover illegal firearms, and stop persistent cattle rustling that has plagued counties such as West Pokot, Baringo, Turkana, and Elgeyo-Marakwet.
While the operation has aimed to restore order, it has also faced growing criticism from human rights groups and local leaders.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has previously accused security teams involved in the multi-agency operation of using excessive force.
According to the commission, some operations have allegedly resulted in accidental aerial strikes that destroyed homes and displaced families. Such incidents have fueled distrust between local communities and security agencies operating in the region. Residents say aggressive tactics risk undermining cooperation needed to defeat banditry.
Previous Allegations Raise Concerns About Security Conduct
The latest accusations come after several controversial incidents linked to security operations in the North Rift. In January, residents of Silale in Baringo County accused security officers of killing large numbers of livestock during an operation targeting suspected bandits.
Reports from the area claimed officers killed more than 70 cattle, 10 camels, and 50 goats in a single day. The livestock losses triggered anger among pastoralist communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on animals.
Local leaders also accused security teams of shutting down vital water points and markets that serve remote pastoral communities. Such measures, critics say, disrupt daily life and worsen economic hardship in already vulnerable regions.
The Kenya Army is believed to have launched a high-level internal investigation following increasing complaints from residents and political leaders about alleged violence by security officers. However, details of that probe and its progress remain unclear.
