Hindi residents protest over Lamu killings

Thousands of Hindi Town residents Tuesday demonstrated over the rising cases of insecurity in Lamu County.

The protesters marched on the streets carrying placards and twigs. They appealed to the government to find a lasting solution to insecurity in the area.

They condemned the recent killing of 13 people in Kibiboni and the 65 massacred in Mpeketoni, Kibaoni, Maporomoko and Witu.

They blocked the Hindi-Mokowe road and burnt tyres. The placards had only one message – ‘Stop the Killings.’

The protesters also asked the national government to cater for the burial expenses of the 13 bodies at Mpeketoni Hospital mortuary, claiming that they had started decomposing.

FORGOTTEN PEOPLE

The residents accused the government of forgetting them despite the fact that it was its duty to protect every citizen.

They said many of their colleagues had fled to other counties.

“Women and children are suffering since they sleep outside for fear of more attacks,” said Pastor Danson Kariuki who asked the government to come to the aid of the victims.

“We are also Kenyans and I don’t think it is good for the government to look the other way as we suffer,” Pastor Kariuki added.

Other protesters asked State officials to explain what the government was doing to calm anxiety in the county.

Mrs Esther Kagendo said the situation was almost hopeless.

“People here are really scared. We are innocent and it is the duty of the government to tell us what we need to do next,” she said.

Activities on the Hindi-Mokowe road came to a standstill for more than five hours.

General Service Unit personnel were called to contain the situation that almost threatened to get out of hand.

County police chief Miiri Njenga arrived at the scene and urged the protesters to be calm as the government sorted out the matter.

HATE LEAFLETS

In Lamu, residents woke up Tuesday to find hate leaflets scattered in parts of the town.

There was general fear as the leaflets demanded the eviction of people from certain communities.

Most of the leaflets were at Mkunguni Square where business is brisk, especially during the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan.

Mrs Tabitha Munga said she saw several leaflets.

“I found one hung on a wall in the square. Police officers came and pulled it down,” the green groceries seller said.

Police said they were investigating the source of and distributors of the leaflets.