MP, Residents Block Kitale-Lodwar Highway to Protest Alleged Police Harassment in Kainuk

MP, Residents Block Kitale-Lodwar Highway to Protest Alleged Police Harassment in Kainuk

Turkana South Member of Parliament Ariko Namoit joined residents in blocking sections of the Kitale-Lodwar Highway on Friday, November 6, during protests over insecurity, livestock theft and alleged harassment by security officers in the region.

The demonstrations began early in the morning at Kalemng’orok, where protesters placed stones and burning tyres on the road, disrupting traffic along the busy highway.

Images and videos from the scene showed residents gathered along the road, holding placards and chanting slogans as they demanded government intervention over security concerns affecting communities in Turkana South and neighbouring areas.

Namoit arrived in Kainuk shortly after 9am as the demonstrations gained momentum. Police officers were also deployed to the area amid traffic disruption and heightened tension.

Namoit calls for peaceful demonstrations

The protests followed a public notice issued by the legislator on Thursday, November 5, inviting residents of Turkana South and Aroo Sub-County to participate in a peaceful march in Kainuk Town.

In his message, Namoit urged residents to remain calm and disciplined while presenting their grievances to the government.

“Let us come out peacefully and stand together in demanding that the government fulfil its responsibility to protect our people, their lives and their property. Let us remain peaceful, disciplined and law-abiding throughout the demonstration,” he stated.

The MP said the demonstration was intended to draw attention to continued killings, livestock raids and insecurity affecting residents.

He also highlighted concerns over stolen livestock that had allegedly not been recovered and returned to their rightful owners, saying affected families continued to face the consequences of the losses.

Residents accuse security officers of harassment

Another major concern raised during the demonstrations was the conduct of security officers involved in ongoing operations in the area.

Namoit questioned the alleged excessive use of force by the Special Operations Group (SOG), with some protesters accusing officers of harassing civilians, including women and schoolchildren.

The demonstrators also raised allegations that security operations had resulted in property damage in Aroo.

These complaints have added to tensions between sections of the local community and security agencies as the government continues efforts to address banditry and other security threats in the region.

The MP called on the government to investigate the concerns raised by residents and ensure security operations respect the rights and property of civilians.

MP raises concerns over highway attacks

Namoit further pointed to recurring attacks and killings along the Kitale-Lodwar Highway, arguing that residents continued to face security threats while travelling along the route.

The highway is an important transport link connecting communities and supporting the movement of people and goods across the region.

He also questioned what he described as selective disarmament, claiming that the exercise appeared to disproportionately affect the Turkana community.

The protesters appealed directly to President William Ruto to intervene, improve security and address complaints surrounding the ongoing operations.

They also demanded changes to security operations in the area, including measures to protect civilians while tackling criminal activities.

Government intensifies security operations

The demonstrations come as the government continues disarmament exercises and other security interventions in parts of northern Kenya.

In September, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced plans to deploy additional security personnel and equipment along the Turkana-West Pokot and Turkana-Baringo borders.

The planned deployment was intended to tackle banditry, recover stolen livestock and address resource-based conflicts affecting communities along the borders.

However, Friday’s demonstrations highlighted continuing concerns among residents over the implementation of security operations.

The protest has renewed calls for the government to balance efforts to restore security with accountability, civilian protection and the recovery of stolen property.

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MP, Residents Block Kitale-Lodwar Highway to Protest Alleged Police Harassment in Kainuk