New security guidelines on Likoni ferry spark accusations of racism

Hundreds of commuters on board the MV Nyayo cross the Likoni channel on the Indian Ocean. Residents are up in arms against a directive exempting white tourists using the ferry from rigorous security checks. (PHOTO: MAARUFU MOHAMED/ STANDARD)

Mombasa residents are outraged by the introduction of a new policy by Kenya Ferry Services which gives preferential treatment to tourists but is seen to discriminate against Kenyans.

The new guideline empowers security agents manning ferries to subject local tourists and coastal residents to stringent security checks while boarding the ferry  but exempts tourists, who are not even required to disembark from their vans.