Cord leader Raila Odinga threatens to force government lift Lamu curfew

NAIROBI, KENYA: Cord leader Raila Odinga wants the Lamu curfew lifted, and has threatened to join hands with Lamu leaders and other organisations to force the government lift the restriction.

In a statement, Raila said that the curfew was unnecessarily punishing the people of Lamu and was having the reverse consequence of affecting the economy of the town and radicalising the youth.

"The curfew is degenerating into a punitive action that may have the unintended effect of hardening and criminalising young people in the area and their families," he said.

The curfew was imposed on grounds of tackling insecurity in the area.

Inspector General David Kimaiyo two days ago extended the dawn to dusk for one more month , on grounds that the security situation on the ground was still precarious and security forces were still conducting operations in the area.

"This curfew is killing the economy of Lamu. It is taking the shape of mass incarceration and torture. It is devastating communities and subjecting residents to abuses while seriously curtailing the freedom they deserve," he said.

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Lamu has been the target of bloody attacks with the worst being the Mpeketoni attack in which over  70 were reportedly killed.

According to the police, the curfew will remain in place until calm returns to the area. The curfew bars people from getting out of their homes unless with written permission from the county commander of police.