Kimaiyo extends Lamu's dusk to dawn curfew by one month

Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo at CID training institute in Nairobi. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Boni Forest and other forested areas which armed groups use as training and hiding grounds remain “prohibited areas.”
  • More than 90 people were killed and 3,000 others displaced from their homes in the attacks.
  • The orders were relaxed during the month of Ramadhan to allow Muslims to attend evening prayers at mosques.

The curfew in Lamu County has been extended by a month to allow for more security operations to flush out criminal groups.

Inspector-General David Kimaiyo Wednesday said the dusk-to-dawn curfew would remain in effect until September 21 to allow security officers “accomplish the mission.”

The curfew was imposed last month after gunmen staged a series of attacks in Mpeketoni, Panda Nguo, Hindi and Witu.

More than 90 people were killed and 3,000 others displaced from their homes in the attacks.

The operations are being conducted by the police, Kenya Defence Forces and National Intelligence Service.

Boni Forest and other forested areas which armed groups use as training and hiding grounds remain “prohibited areas.”

“There is still a need to carry out more security operations to make the areas completely secure and safe for citizens. In accordance with the Public Order Act, I’ve extended the curfew for another one month.

“On expiry of this period, the security situation will be reviewed and appropriate advice and direction will be given to the public accordingly,” said Mr Kimaiyo.

The curfew imposed on July 19 was to end Thursday.

Residents are required to be indoors between 6.30pm and 6.30am.

KIMAIYO PROCLAIMS VICTORY

Public service vehicles plying the Lamu-Garsen Road are required to operate only during the day, and must be escorted by armed police officers.

“During this time, members of the public are expected to comply with the instructions and similarly cooperate with security agencies in order to achieve the objectives of this operation,” the police chief said.

Mr Kimaiyo proclaimed victory against the criminal gangs, saying no attack had happened since the operation began.

He said that the suspects arrested had been prosecuted, while others had been killed in fighting.

“I wish to thank all our officers from the various security agencies who continue to work tirelessly around the clock to ensure that our people are safe,” he said.

The curfew orders will be relaxed for people and groups which seek authorisation from the county commander.

The orders were relaxed during the month of Ramadhan to allow Muslims to attend evening prayers at mosques.

“We want to ensure our officers accomplish the task. A number of good results have been recorded and no single incident has been reported to us since the curfew began,” Mr Kimaiyo said.

The government on previous occasions linked the insecurity in Lamu to political networks and land issues.

Somalia terror group Al-Shabaab, however, claimed responsibility for the killings in Mpeketoni.

Directors of 22 companies were ordered to record statements with criminal investigators on allegations that they illegally acquired land in the county.
FIRMS INVESTIGATED

Mr Kimaiyo disclosed that more than 60 people representing 22 companies had been interrogated by detectives.

“We have received very good response so far and we are continuing with taking the statements. Some have appeared as individuals and others were represented by their lawyers. Only one company has not been represented and we are looking for the people concerned,” he said.

The 22 companies shared 500,000 acres of public land in Lamu, whose allocation President Kenyatta said would be revoked and investigations done.