MONTHLY CONFLICT BRIEF FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2021
CONFLICT HIGHLIGHTS
COVID 19 highlights
Cases of COVID-19 cases in the past week have increased significantly resulting in widespread concern among health and security stakeholders. In response to the surge, the government has reinstated measures such as banning of physical meetings and restriction of movements. There are reports from Mombasa County of police conducting patrols to arrest those found not wearing face masks however the police were faulted for using such measures to extort money from their victims.
Recent reports especially from social media platforms indicate huge distaste from communities living within Mtopanga, Kisauni and Bombolulu areas over police were enforcing the government COVID 19 directives. Unverified reports from these social media sites indicate that over 12 people were arrested by the police for failure of wearing face masks. These number has included women carrying children.
Political Conflict Updates
There are reports of ethnic mobilizations across all the counties of the Coastal region as many politicians and political aspirants marshal for support. This has been characterized by the re-emergence of ethnic pressure groups and ethnic hate-mongering. In Kilifi County, there are already rumors of the re-emergence of the MRC group and Operation Meru Out ahead of the 2022 elections. In Tana River County, there are rumors of politicians and aspirants conducting meetings during the night with their intentions unknown.
The incidents of illegal gangs dropped by 50 percent during this reporting period in the coast. This was attributed to the constant sharing of information and the goodwill collaboration among the security stakeholders. The KECOSCE EWER officers, peace monitors, and community policing have been in touch monitoring the security events on the field while relaying the important information to the relevant actors of peace for action.
Natural Resources Based conflicts:
During this month, the number of reported land ownership and eviction cases shot by 60%. Compared to June 2021. This is a worrying trend, especially because the region has traditionally witnessed increased evictions as the general elections approach. Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, and Tana River counties reported an increase in cases that have led to fatalities (4 people dead) and riots.
The number of Lawsuits in the courts is still alarming. A recent report by Nation Africa indicates that as of March 31, Mombasa had 2,146 pending cases while Malindi had 844. The judiciary System is reportedly taking a long time to fully respond and resolve land-related conflicts. According to The Nation Media, by the length of stay in the court, Mombasa has a whopping 1554 total pending land-related cases while Malindi has a backlog of 598 land cases. Out of these, 766 have been in court for 3 years while 595 have been pending hearing for between 3 and 5 years. Yet still, 193 are more than 5 years old. Malindi follows with a backlog of 598.
429 cases have been at the courts for between 1 and 3 years, while 168 others have spent between three to five years. At this rate of land conflict resolution, where over 2146 cases have not been vindicated in the coast, there is a high probability that new land cases filled in the past few months or week will take forever before court proceedings begins. Most land owners within the coast lack title deeds. This has increased their vulnerability to grabbing through crooked means.
Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence especially on young girls was reported in Tana River, Kilifi and Mombasa. KECOSCE volunteer paralegals are following up the case in Tana River which was reported to the police station in Garsen. . It is alleged that perpetrators of GBV at the coast include bodaboda, relatives and their primary care givers who offer minor girls gifts such as sanitary towels before luring them into sexuality. This is according to feedback from community forums conducted by KECOSCE together with Sub County security teams.
Children in Conflict with the Law:
Cases of violation of children’s rights in Tana Delta where children in conflict with the law are being put in the same cells as adults. This is because the Subcounty does not have a children rescue centre and the police stations too do not have facilities for holding children as their cases are ongoing. This is more serious especially with female juvenile cases.
Political violence:
Tension and fear of Political conflict have continued increasing especially owing to visits by Political leaders in Kwale and Kilifi to rally support for their camps. Both the Deputy President and the Hon Raila Odinga visited these Counties resulting in ethnic profiling and animosity among their supporters.