Methodology

This report is based on field research conducted by Human Rights Watch researchers in North Eastern province and Nairobi, Kenya, in February 2009. Human Rights Watch visited the towns of Wargadud, El Wak, Elele, Qaramadow, Lafey, and Mandera and interviewed 91 victims of the operation from the towns of Wargadud, El Wak, Elele, Qaramadow, Lafey, Warankara, and Damasa identified by local human rights groups and community leaders. They also interviewed staff of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), doctors, nurses, and community leaders in the Mandera region and officials from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), other NGOs, and diplomats in Nairobi. The researchers interviewed victims from both the Garre and Murulle clans and spoke to leaders of both clans. Interviews were conducted in English and Kiswahili without translators and in Somali and Borana with interpreters.

The district commissioner in El Wak would not speak to Human Rights Watch and refused permission for Human Rights Watch researchers to interview police and military commanders there. Human Rights Watch wrote to Minister for Internal Security George Saitoti on May 5, 2009, presenting its findings and seeking a response to the allegations within three weeks. As this report went to press in late June, no response had been received. The government position has therefore been deduced from statements by ministers and police officials to the press and Parliament.