Muslim leaders want end to Lamu curfew

Lamu, Kenya: Muslim leaders want the Government to lift the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on Lamu County immediately, terming it unconstitutional.

The leaders claimed the 6pm to 6am curfew had disrupted tourism and fishing, which are the main economic activities in the region.
Led by Bura MP Ali Wario, they called on President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto to ensure the order was lifted immediately.

"The curfew has damaged Lamu's economy. What law is being followed to extend this curfew now going beyond six months?," posed Mr Wario.

Addressing the Press at Parliament buildings yesterday, the lawmakers insisted the Government had an agenda to make Lamu residents economically inactive.

Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow accused the Government of abdicating its duty to protect the lives of Lamu people.

"It is the duty of the Government to provide security. Instead, it is undermining the livelihoods of the its citizens and nothing is being explained to the leaders. This is unacceptable," he said.

Mr Kerrow told the two Jubilee leaders to involve them whenever there were issues to be discussed or policies to be implemented.

"As Muslim leaders, we don't support terrorism acts from Al-Shabaab or any other outlawed group," he said.

They maintained that to defeat terrorism, the Government required the concerted efforts of the local leaders.

"The Government does not want to include us in this fight against terrorism. Regarding the recent killings in Mandera, no MP has been asked to attend any meeting to discuss how to contain the rising cases of insecurity. We have over time visited State House and asked for inclusion but it seems nobody wants to listen to us," said Wario.

Lamu Woman Representative Shakila Abdalla said it was unconstitutional to restrict someone for 12 hours for no apparent reason.