Boni Forest declared a danger zone by police

Boni Forest in Lamu County has been declared a dangerous area, ahead of a major security swoop to flush out Al-Shabaab terrorists.

Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet has asked residents of surrounding areas to surrender legal as well as illegal firearms in their possession.

In a September 3 Gazette Notice, Mr Boinnet said the weapons should be taken to the nearest police stations or administrative offices during the day, for safe custody.

“The general public should note that this notice shall remain in force for 90 days and is subject to extension,” Mr Boinnet said.

The forest is named after the Boni people who lived off its resource as hunters and gathers but increasingly adopted farming on the fringes of the forest where they built homes.

Residents of surrounding Holugho border point, Galmagala, Sangailu, Ijara, Masalani, Bodhei, Milimani, Basuba, Kiunga, Maralani, Baurre and Ishakani are likely to be affected by the directive.

On Friday, Lamu leaders welcomed the intended swoop in the forest, which has lately been viewed as a major hide-out for Al-Shabaab.

Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa and members of the county assembly James Komu (Hongwe), Mohamed Amin (Witu) and Paul Kimani (Mkunumbi) supported the swoop.

“I appreciate the efforts made by the national government in ensuring Lamu is safe. I ask my people not to take the order negatively but view it as a way of reviving new Lamu which will be free from terror threats and attempts,” said Mr Ndegwa.

The swoop is expected to start immediately.

Mr Kimani urged the government to establish military and police camps in the five villages of Basuba prone to invasions by Al-Shabaab.

“We support the security operation ongoing at Boni Forest. My suggestion is that, the national government establishes army camps at Pandanguo, Basuba, Milimani, Mangai and Mararani. The region is big,” said Mr Kimani.