New security measures unveiled
Laban Walloga | NATION
Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere (carrying a yellow document) leads a team of security officers on a tour of Lamu on October 03, 2011. The government has launched a major security operation in Lamu and its environs to counter attacks by Somali insurgents.
What you need to know:
- Police boss orders more aerial and ground patrols
The government on Monday ordered intensified aerial surveillance and sea patrols in Lamu to deal with attacks by Somali insurgents.
These would be undertaken by a police helicopter and 24 patrol boats, besides other routine operations by the military.
All sea vessels entering the Lamu channel will be subjected to thorough security searches while more vehicles will be sent to local patrols for quick responses by security officers.
These are among measures the government has taken to improve the security situation in Lamu in the wake of two attacks on foreigners.
They were announced on Monday by Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere after a series of meetings with security personnel and investors in the tourism industry.
Mr Iteere revealed that the security operations in the region would be handled by one command for effective coordination.
“The two incidents were partly due to lack of a coordination mechanism. We are not going to allow that to happen again,” Mr Iteere said.
Areas where additional Land Rover vehicles would be sent are Kizingitini, Mpeketoni and Kiunga.
Mr Iteere, however, said there was an adequate number of marine police officers.
“The police have the capacity to deal with this situation,” the police boss said.
There will also be emergency numbers released to the public and hoteliers to report crime.
He said the police would hold more meetings with the hoteliers to find ways of improving security standards at the resorts.
According to Mr Iteere, there are some 250 hotels and 2,000 cottages and villas along the Kenyan coast.
Tourism Minister Najib Balala on Monday termed as unfortunate the move by British and French governments to issue travel advisories to their citizens.
However, he said this was discussed at length and solution arrived at.
“Today (Monday) in Nairobi, the police commissioner met representatives of the French, British and US governments and briefed them on security mechanisms the government will put in place.
“They have assured the Kenya Government that they would review the advisory in 30 days.”
The three governments would also send their own representatives to Lamu to assess the situation.
“We have assured hoteliers not to close down their resorts and tourists should feel free to visit Lamu,” Mr Balala said.
