Coast businesses close shop for fear of attacks

The government has posted more security officials to Coast Province amid reports that some businesses had closed over fears of attacks by terrorists and the secessionist Mombasa Republican Council.

The uncertainty has also prompted some politicians to cancel a number campaign rallies planned for the region where more than 120 people have died in two months in violent attacks.

Sources said 100 more paramilitary GSU officers had been sent to Denyenye, Kaya Fungo and Mulungunipa in Kwale to reinforce the crackdown on youths suspected to be taking oaths.

Coast provincial police boss Aggrey Adoli said the officers would ensure all business premises and public places were safe.

The Saturday Nation has also established that annual leaves of all the police officers in the province have been cancelled until after next year’s General Election.

“We have enough police and more GSU officers have been deployed across the region to maintain peace. The officers have also been instructed to help in driving away animals which destroy crops to avert any clashes between farmers and pastoralists,” Mr Adoli said.

The PPO said the GSU officers will camp in the region until after the elections.

“We shall not relent in our efforts to crack down on illegal gangs, which have been blamed for planning and executing various attacks in the region,” he said.

The move comes just a few weeks after Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi was attacked by a group of youths armed with machetes while addressing a meeting in Mtwapa.

Mr Kingi’s bodyguard died after he was hacked with a machete while trying to protect the minister. Three of the attackers were killed by villagers just a few days after 19 people were lynched by members of the public in Kaloleni.

Former Tourism Minister Najib Balala blamed the strife in the region on lack of investment, poor infrastructure and hopelessness among residents.

“What is happening here is giving us a bad image locally and internationally, that is why we are experiencing mass cancellations in the hotel industry,” he said on the phone.

Mr Balala accused some politicians of using gangs to harass opponents.

Bura MP Abdi Nassir Nuh said the government was not doing enough to arrest the situation.

He warned that violent crackdowns on suspected MRC members could boomerang, especially when the suspects are assaulted, citing the case when the group’s leader, Mr Omar Mwamnuadzi, was arrested.

He said many visitors, local and international, were shunning the area over the unrest. “I was shocked to see empty hotels during this peak season when we expect booming business,” he said.

Mombasa Chamber of Commerce chairman James Mureu said the area was no longer safe for business.

“Our members have raised concern over the situation and some are even contemplating leaving the town,” he said.

Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers boss Sam Ikwaye warned that the recent attacks will have long-term effects on the region.

Meanwhile,  a warrant of arrest has been issued against five MRC members for failing to appear in court to answer charges of being members of an unlawful society.

Mombasa chief magistrate Stephen Riechi ordered the arrest of Mr Omar Suleiman Babu, Mr Nyae Ngao, Mr Robert Charo, Mr Salim Ali Goga and Mr Salim Hamisi.

Mr Riechi also directed that three other top officials — Mr Mwamnuadzi, Mr Randu Rai and Mr Mohamed Mraja — be produced in court next Thursday.

The court did not issue a warrant for their arrest as they are already in remand at Shimo la Tewa prison.

Additional reporting by Eunice Machuhi