Lamu residents demonstrate against drugs

By Maureen Mudi

Residents of Lamu island held a demonstration against rampant drug trafficking.

They demanded the transfer of the OCPD John Kamau who they accused of not doing enough to stop drug dealing.

Officials of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) and 100 youths organised the demonstration, which was staged outside the DC’s office.

Shops, Islamic schools were closed as boat operators and businessmen joined in.

CIPK Secretary General Sheikh Mohammed Dor, said the demonstration ended with the residents presenting a memorandum to DC Stephen Ikua, seeking stiffer penalties in drug-related cases.

They said drugs impounded in the town should be destroyed in the presence of Muslim leaders and other Government officials.

"We have noted a trend where impounded bhang and that booked into the police Occurrence Book, varies in quantity," said Dor.

The residents accused the OCPD and his officers of colluding with drug peddlers and perhaps later selling the drugs.

Mr Ikua, however, said they had records of confiscated drugs and none had been tampered with.

The residents also wanted 40 drugs-related cases pending in court finalised and harsher sentences imposed on the offenders.