Likoni stirs from limbo after attack
A few shops in Mtongwe area of Likoni opened for business on July 24, 2014 as life started to return to normal following the attack on July 20 that left three people dead. Fear engulfed the area after a grenade was found near Likoni Flats on July 23, leading to closure of schools and businesses. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA
What you need to know:
- Learning remained the hardest hit, with most parents keeping their children indoors and school recording low attendance.
- A trader, Mrs Mary Onyango said she now closes her shop earlier than usual (7pm), unlike in the past when she could call it a day at 11pm.
An uneasy calm has returned to Soweto area in Likoni, Mombasa with a few schools resuming operations as others remained shut.
Business owners too remained cagey, with some opening their doors but closing early as residents remained cautious following an attack by hooded gunmen which left three people dead on Sunday night.
This was followed by a security scare on Wednesday when a grenade was found near Likoni Flats. The Russian-made device was later safely detonated by security personnel.
Unlike on Wednesday when contingents from the Kenya Navy and police units patrolled the Likoni neighbourhood, there was less presence of the policemen and soldiers on Thursday.
But residents confirmed seeing police patrols in the morning and early afternoon.
Learning remained the hardest hit, with most parents keeping their children indoors and school recording low attendance.
Goodwill Primary School, where Diana Atieno — the young girl killed in the Sunday evening attack was a pupil, remained shut. There was no one in the compound when the Nation crew visited. The 11-year-old girl was shot dead alongside two other Soweto residents.
WORSENED THE SITUATION
At Bridge International Academy Miami in Soweto only 80 out of 330 pupils turnout up for class.
The headteacher, Mr Kevin Nyaga said the finding of the grenade had worsened the situation as it instilled fear and tension in the residents.
“Tension is still high. In every class less than a quarter of students have resumed class. Parents don’t feel secure so they would rather have their kids at home,” he said.
A trader, Mrs Mary Onyango said she now closes her shop earlier than usual (7pm), unlike in the past when she could call it a day at 11pm. She termed the grenade find as “horrifying”
On Thursday, religious leaders who spoke at peace meeting they convened, said the attack and subsequent involvement of the military in the security operation has left residents a worried lot.
“Our people have panicked. They are really scared seeing military vehicles patrolling every now and then,” said Likoni Pastors Church Forum vice chairman Bishop Joseph Maisha.
Sheikh Maalim Ahmed Sineno from the Kenya Muslim National Advisory Council (KEMNAC) called for thorough investigations into the incidents that have rocked Likoni in recent days.
