20110407 - A task force should be set up to investigate the torture of Kenyans by anti-terror police and the culprits prosecuted.

Members of the National Network Against Torture meeting in Kilifi also called for the setting up of a fund for reparation and compensation of torture, counter-terrorism victims and their families.

In a press briefing at the two-day conference, nominated Member of Parliament Shakila Abdallah accused the government of continuous use of force previously termed as controversial in the Terrorism Bill.

Members of the network accused the government of continuously profiling Muslims as the main terror suspects. They demanded the reparation of the nine Kenyans being held “unconstitutionally” in Uganda, the immediate disbandment of the anti-terror police unit and the resignation of the Internal Security minister for “violating the constitutional rights of Kenyans”.

Kenya National Human Rights Commission official Hassan Omar Hassan said for the war on terror to be won. The government needed top apply the rule of law and be sensitive to the human rights of the Muslim population.

Victims of counter-terrorism criticized the government’s treatment of Muslims, saying it was such treatment that pushed some people to radical acts.