Rights commission requests torture probe

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 16 (UPI) -- The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has requested a probe of alleged torture against militia suspects at the hands of security officers.

"In seeking to return sanity to the area as a result of the atrocities being committed in the area, the military should stop the excesses of the security forces deployed therein," the commission said.

The commission Thursday released a report called "The Mountain of Terror," which describes alleged acts of torture carried out by security officers and militia members in the Mt. Elgon district in western Kenya, U.N. Integrated Regional Information Networks reported Friday.

Security forces have denied torture allegations carried out by officers. Police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said security officers instead have proof of torture carried out by Sabaot Land Defense Force militia members.

"The operation will continue because we are determined to rid the district of this criminal gang," Kiraithe said.

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