Kenya in plans to set up prisons for militants

The Kenyan government is working on a plan to separate detainees and prisoners of terror related activities from those serving sentences of other crimes in a move aimed at curbing radicalization in prisons and police cells.

Attorney General Githu Muigai was speaking at the All Saints Cathedral Nairobi, at a function organized by Independent Medico-Legal Unit to mark UN international day in support of victims of torture, the Kenyan Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) reported.

His remarks come a day after Deputy President William Ruto said radicalisation was taking place in safe places including prisons.

“Al Shabaab and its allies continue to indoctrinate the youth in safe places such as educational institutions, mosques, social media and prisons” said Ruto when he opened a regional conference on countering violent at KICC.

He said his office will ensure two bills that are aimed at prevention of torture and establishment of a central office to address issues affecting victims of torture are enacted.

The forum brings stakeholders together to discuss a road map on comprehensive rehabilitation for victims of torture through the enactment of both the prevention of Torture and the Coroners service bills.

Githu however urged members of the public to be on the lookout for non state actors perpetrating torture.

If enacted into law, torture will be a criminal offense and would define punishment for perpetrators.

Kenya has faced increased terror attacks since October 2011, when its troops entered Somalia to flush out Al-Shabaab.