Lift Lamu curfew, demand leaders

What you need to know:

  • Ms Abdalla said at the press conference at Parliament Buildings, that the curfew had not helped reduce insecurity in Lamu and told the government to employ more friendly ways to curb insecurity.
  • Leaders were unhappy with the government because it had sidelined them from decisions touching on insecurity in their regions the senator said.

MPs of the Muslim faith have mounted pressure on the government to lift curfew in Lamu. They claimed it was part of a scheme to sabotage the county’s economy.

Twenty five MPs, among them Mandera County MP Kerrow Billow, have disapproved the decision by Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo to extend the curfew for another month.

Bura MP Ali Wario and Lamu County Woman MP Shakilla Abdalla said on their behalf that the curfew had affected the county’s economic and cultural activities as well as religious practices.

“The government should come out clear on why it is indefinitely extending the curfew, which is unlawful,” Ms Abdalla said, and called the decision a human rights abuse.

The MPs challenged the government to state under which law it extended the curfew for more than four months, confining residents to their homes from 6pm to 6am.

FRIENDLY WAYS

Ms Abdalla said at the press conference at Parliament Buildings, that the curfew had not helped reduce insecurity in Lamu and told the government to employ more friendly ways to curb insecurity.

“Lamu people are suffering because they cannot go out at night for fishing, which is their main source of income,” she said, adding that tourism had also suffered.

Mr Kerrow said: “The government has a hidden agenda to intimidate the people of Lamu. You cannot justify a curfew for six months. What it means is the government has abdicated its responsibility of providing security, and it is now telling them to lock up themselves.”

Leaders were unhappy with the government because it had sidelined them from decisions touching on insecurity in their regions the senator said.

“How does security start with me as the President wants us to believe, when we are not involved?” he asked, adding that leaders’ pleas for dialogue had been ignored.

He demanded to know why there were no curfews in other insecure areas like Baragoi and Kapedo.