War on Shabaab- Bombing Boni Forest could be solution to terror in Lamu

Many theories have been put forward as to why terrorism is a major problem in Lamu County. There have been claims the militants are better armed, which is why the officers have been unable to contain the fighters. Also, there are reports the police have not acted on intelligence that has been given in the past, leading to the killing of many people. The blame-game between local leaders over the cause of escalating attacks has not helped the matter. And the question is: how do we deal with these militants?

One of the major impediments to the war against Al-Shabaab, in my view, is Boni Forest. The forest that also touches Garissa County and the neighbouring lawless Somali has compromised the fight against the militants because it has formed a major hideout for them. The militants have been killing people and destroying property for years Thousands of people have also been displaced from their homes. Education has been disrupted after schools were closed and thousands of students and teachers were either displaced or relocated for fear of attacks. In 2014, the terrorists launched one of the worst attacks where close to 100 people were killed in a night of massacre. And recently, the militants attacked a village and killed nine people.