Tension high in Lamu as residents protest over extension of dusk to dawn curfew

Lamu, Kenya: Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo flew to Lamu to witness a major demonstration in Lamu town in protest of dusk to dawn curfew that he had imposed.

The IG will also attend a meeting of the National Police Service Commission planned for Wednesday and Thursday to discuss restructuring process in the police service and mobilising the new ranks.

The IG’s chopper left Wilson Airport at 7 am Tuesday and said he will witness the protest that was organised by locals demanding that he lifts the ban.

“I want to see how things are in the County at large and know the way forward. The curfew is there for their good,” he said.

The protest which started on Tuesday morning saw business in Lamu town paralysed for hours as more security personnel were mobilised to quell the situation.

Tension remained high amid fears there will be violence. The opposition and local leaders too had opposed the curfew saying it is affecting their business and economy at large.

Kimaiyo for the third time extended the dusk to dawn curfew in Lamu County by a month on October 21.

Kimaiyo said the new curfew will run up to November 23 due to insecurity and ongoing police operations in the area.

Law Society of Kenya had last Thursday issued a 14 day ultimatum for the lifting of the curfew or they move to court.

Kimaiyo said all residents of Lamu County will remain indoors during the curfew period unless one had a written permit from the County Commander of Police.

He said there will be restrictions of movements in areas of Bodhei, Basuba and Milimani to Kiunga towards the border cutline which have undesignated routes into Somalia.

On the meeting of the commission, it emerged it was moved to Malindi to ensure Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Samuel Arachi attends and votes in proposed resolutions.