No word from police IG over fate of curfew imposed after Garissa attack

Garissa residents Monday asked the government to explain the fate of the curfew imposed on four counties eighteen days ago after Garissa University terrorist attack that claimed lives of 148 people.

Inspector-General of police Joseph Boinnet imposed a dusk to dawn curfew from April 3, 2015 up to April 16, 2015.

But even after the lapse of the period, no word has been forthcoming from the police IG over the same.

Residents who spoke to Nation.co.ke said there was a lot of confusion which the Inspector General ought to clarify since they are still forced to retreat to their homes immediately after 6pm.

They added that businesses are counting losses owing to the confusing.

Mr Boinnet imposed a two-week dusk to dawn curfew in four counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera and Tana River.

There has, however, been no official communication even after the two weeks ended on April 16, 2015.

Heavily armed men stormed Garissa University College killing 148 people most of them students.

The Somalia-based Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

"We demand an explanation from the government. We are in a state of confusion and people are still in fear since the police are using the curfew to extort money from unsuspecting members of the public.

"The Inspector-General must come out and clear the air,” said Khalif Abdi, Coordinator of Northern Forum for Democracy.

POLICE HARASSMENT

Mr Abdi claimed that he was a victim of police harassment saying prison officers arrested him alongside several other people at Garissa Ndogo. He said they were released after bribing the officers.

He said police should develop a good working relationship with the public who can provide information that will help in the fight against terrorism.

"The curfew has really affected my business because normally customers prefer to shop in the evening hours and at night because of the prevailing temperatures but since the curfew was imposed I have incurred losses and this has been made worse by lack of information whether its over or not," Yussuf Abdi told the Nation Monday in Garissa Town.

He said he used to close his business as late as 9pm and still get a lot of customers adding that life has become hard for the days the curfew has been on.

However, when contacted deputy county commissioner James Kianda said a further directive on curfew will be given after consultations with the county security team.