Celebration, good returns as Lamu curfew partially lifted

Lamu residents celebrated the partial lifting of the five-month curfew following several terrorist attacks mid this year, as thousands in Coast came out to mark Christmas amid tight security.

Lamu Senator Abu Chiaba said tourists were flocking Lamu and urged the government to eliminate any security threats.

“Flights to Lamu are fully booked during the festive season after the curfew on Lamu islands was lifted,” Chiaba said.

The decision to lift the curfew was Nkaissery’s first public statement after he was sworn in on Wednesday.

Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa welcomed the move, saying the curfew had killed the region’s economy.

“We urge government to be vigilant and ensure security is maintained in all parts of Lamu County,” Ndegwa said. Sheikh Muhdhar Khitamy, Coast regional chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, called on the government to introduce patrol security in Lamu following recent seizure of a bus by armed men.

“The seizure of the bus means armed terror gangs are still hiding in forests in Lamu and the government should flush them out and introduce security escorts for buses,” Khitamy said.

Meanwhile, security authorities maintained a round the clock security in Coast, as thousands thronged the beach and entertainment joints to celebrate Christmas in style.

In Mombasa, security was tight, with police conducting aerial, water and ground patrols. County Commissioner Nelson Marwa said that an elaborate security plan that also involved the Mombasa County government, religious groups and residents had been put in place.

‘’This is the kind of co-operation we have been rooting for to ensure that Mombasa is secure and safe for everyone to conduct his or her business,’’ he said.

Two police helicopters had been deployed to boost air surveillance in Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi Counties with potential hotspots being mapped out.

‘’We shall continue having this kind of operation even after the Christmas and New Year festivities,’’ Marwa said.

At the five star Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa, and Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels (KSLH) flagship resort, Mombasa Beach Hotel reported an upsurge of last minute guests.

“We have about 10 per cent of international visitors. However our lodges have not performed well in terms of occupancy over the festive period,’’ said Mombasa Beach Hotel General Manager Silas Kiti

At the Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach, it was a beehive of activities as thousands flocked the beach front to celebrate Christmas. Tourist hotels, villas, holiday homes and entertainment spots in Mombassa reported good business

In Kwale County commissioner Evans Achoki assured all locals and guests that security is beefed up.

“It has been a success and we are still assuring those who will visit to do so because there is enough security,” said Achoki.

Places of worship too were packed to capacity as Christians of different denominations attended Christmas day services with police manning all church entrances.

— Additional reporting by Philip Mwakio and Tobias Chanji