Normality returns after curfew demo

Business in Lamu has returned to normal after a two-day shutdown as residents protested a curfew imposed in the county.

The protest had paralysed transport on the island.

However, the government talked tough, declaring that the curfew was extended to November 23, by Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo. It has been in place since July 20, 2014.

Lamu Administration Police Commander Chrispus Mutali accused ‘ill-minded’ individuals of misleading Lamu people and warned that the government would not bow to intimidation from anyone.

Speaking to journalists in Lamu town on Wednesday, Mr Mutali said the government’s stand on the curfew remains in place.

He said that the dusk-to-dawn curfew would go on until all the guns used during the Lamu attacks were recovered. More than 80 people were killed in the attacks.

He urged residents to cooperate with security officers to ensure peace prevailed in the region.

“Many guns were used during the mindless June-July killings. So far, we have not recovered as many of the weapons as we would like. Residents should be patient and let the government do its work. We need the curfew in the entire Lamu County to enable us fight insecurity,” Mr Mutali said.

RESIDENTS RELIEVED

On Thursday, hotels, shops, offices and the market were opened after being shut on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Transport booking offices and businesses were running again.

Fresh produce traders incurred huge losses.

Business people on Thursday expressed relief that the strike had ended.

A street vendor at Langoni in the town, Mr Mohamed Omar, said he is happy that things are back to normal as the shut down had been costly.

“We can now sell our wares. I hope the State will ensure that the peace we have been enjoying in Lamu remains,” Mr Omar said.

Boatmen also welcomed the end of the protest. The association of Lamu boat owners, Mr Awadh Hassan, said the disruption on transport was a big blow to them.

“We have incurred losses. We are asking the government to lift the curfew for the people of Lamu to go about their business,” Mr Awadh said.

RESIDENTS SEEK REPRIEVE
Some residents and civil society groups vowed not to rest until the curfew was lifted.

Muslims For Human Rights legal officer Fahad Chanji said that they have filed a case in court seeking an end of the curfew.

“We want the government to lift the curfew. We will stop at nothing to ensure that we accomplish our mission. We will be heading to court on November 3,” Mr Chanji said.

Save Lamu chairman Mohamed Abubakar was disappointed with the government for extending the curfew every month. He termed it unfair to them.

Mr Abubakar said the government should not remain silent even after the two-day strike that was organised with the hope that the State would reconsider the curfew.

“I was expecting a reaction from the government after the shut down of business in Lamu town. I cannot believe that no one has said anything so far. We want this curfew lifted or be in force only in areas affected by the June-July attacks,” Mr Abubakar said.