More than 60 killings and 18 humans forced disappearance cases have been reported in Kwale County since 2014, according to the Human Rights Agenda (HURIA) organization report.
Speaking at the Kwale Youth Conference hall in Ukunda in Msambweni Thursday, HURIA Community Engagement and Partnership Officer Mwinyihaji Chamosi said Matuga and Msambweni Sub Counties have recorded the highest number of youth abduction and elderly murders.
He said the situation is alarming considering that there are many more cases which go unreported.
The right activist expressed serious concern over the rise in forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the name of combating terror in the region.
“The figures are increasing and the numbers we are giving out are for the incidents that were brought to our attention but in some places, they happen in silence,” said Chamosi.
He said in most scenarios, efforts to seek justice normally prove futile leaving the affected families helplessly and grieving for long.
Chamosi said victims disappear without a trail and family members are allegedly intimidated by security agencies when inquiring the whereabouts of the vanished people.
He said frequent harassment and threats from police mar the efforts of finding justice as relatives get frightened and finally give up the search for justice.
“Most of the time justice is hindered because of the intimidations family members receive,” he said.
The activist said a big number of affected people shun away from giving out or seeking information due to fear of being associated with terrorism and criminal activities.
Chamosi said people who stand up for justice and other civil activists also fall victim to extrajudicial killings or sometimes disappear without a trace.
He said the HURIA organization has a started rolling out a two-year program meant to create awareness and offer legal assistance and protection for the affected families.
“We are trying to sensitize the community to know their rights as we deal with cases of extra-judicial killings and human disappearances,” he said.
The meeting also involved discussions on challenges and safety precautions journalists must take while reporting on human right issues.