MP seeks to have KDF deployed at the coast

Lugari MP Ayub Savula plans to move a motion in Parliament to compel the Government to deploy the army at the coast to curb insecurity.

Mr Savula complained that insecurity has led to the reduction of tourists visiting the coastal region, which has led to massive loss of employment to Kenyans.

“I have read that Al Shabaab sprayed a public vehicle with bullets. If gunmen can attack a police station and kill people in the cells, how safe are residents living in unguarded villages?” posed Savula.

“I want to call upon my fellow MPs to support my motion to have the President deploy the army to the coastal region, the same way it did in Mt Elgon. Since the police have failed, it is time for the army,” he told The Standard.

Savula claimed the country was losing tourists dollar to Tanzania and Zanzibar. The same goes to local tourism, as people are now forced to go to relatively safe areas like Naivasha and parts of the Rift Valley.

“It is time the Government took a decisive action against insecurity, instead of waiting for miracles to happen,” he said.

EMPTY ULTIMATUMS

Last Friday, armed militiamen attacked Lamu, killing seven people, among them four police officers on duty along the Mombasa-Lamu highway. The other victims had boarded a bus in Mombasa, headed to Lamu.

This was just one of the many attacks by unknown gunmen witnessed at the coast in two months, which so far has led to the deaths of more than 100 people, and several nursing injuries in various hospitals.

In the first incident, the attackers hijacked two vans and started shooting people indiscriminately. They later attacked a police station in Tana River and Hindi killing over 48 people.

“Many people have lost lives, some are left psychologically injured, yet nothing has been done by the Government, apart from offering ultimatums in press conferences. Considering that the attacks continue to happen despite police presence, it is time the Government tried the army,” observed Savula.