Kenyans call out Anti-Terrorism Police Unit

Human rights activists are demanding the Kenyan government look into allegations of police brutality and forced disappearances against suspected armed group members. Some allege counter-terrorism efforts, specifically by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), have targeted the country’s minority Muslim population. 

Between November 2013 and June 2014, Human Rights Watch documented at least 10 cases of killings, 10 cases of enforced disappearances and 11 cases of mistreatment of suspects in the country. 

Kenya upped its counter-terrorism initiatives following a series of attacks by armed group al-Shabab. However, some have been critical of the country’s national security measures.