|
Ogiek killed like rabbits by
rampant militia in Kenya
Mount Elgon - 04. Feb. 2008 - WTN
Realizing that the Ogiek had fled the area around Chepyuk and took
refuge at Teldet and Chepkitale, the Sabaot Land Defense Force (SLDF),
Kenya's most dangerous and notorious, at least 1000 men strong
armed militia, has now taken advantage of the lawlessness and the
commitments of the police elsewhere to hunt and kill the Ogiek
like rabbits.
It is reported now that the Mount Elgon Ogiek have been evicted
from Teldet and Kiboroa areas by the SLDF.One Ogiek Pastor by name
Mati was killed by SLDF on 2nd February 2008 at Teldet area. The
Ogiek call upon all Human Rights agencies and organizations to
visit these areas, to witness and assess.
It must be noted that the Ogiek
have known no peace since September 2006 until to date. Now that
there is a national crisis, it is feared that the Ogiek of Mount
Elgon will be exterminated by the SLDF, if no rapid rescue is
mounted to free the area from the SLDF and their atrocities and to
guarantee the safety and security of the Ogiek.
Local NGO staff reports: "THE SLDF MILITIA HAS ACTUALLY TAKEN OVER
THE WHOLE OF MT. ELGON AND TRANS-NZOIA REGION. The police is
closing their eyes or are even actively involved in creating death
and misery. All are requested to help where they can as the Ogiek
cannot access the towns but are currently holed up in the forests
of Chepkitale covering such areas as Kapchepkelda, Labot, Toboo,
Chepoongweny and Tommoi without any security or humanitarian
assistance."
Today, 4th February 2008, the fighting between the hounting
militia and fleeing Ogiek is still on at Teldet, 35 km from Kitale,
where the Ogiek had gone with some cattle to exchange for money
and cereals. About 70 of their cattle were yesterday "confiscated"
by the police and 50 are held at the Do's office at Saboti,
apparently upon the instructions by the District Officer. The
other stolen cows are unaccounted for.
|
