Group plans to sue David Kimaiyo over curfew

Lamu, Kenya: A civil society organisation has written to the Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo urging him to lift the dusk to dawn curfew in Lamu County or face legal action.

Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri) told Mr Kimaiyo although the violence occurred in Mpeketoni, the curfew had been imposed across the county resulting in 'collective punishment' to residents.

In a letter dated September 29, Muhuri chairman Khalef Khalifa said: "Conflicts and clashes have been happening in different parts of the country but in the Kenyan history extended and prolonged curfews has never been imposed on communities."

He described the curfew as draconian against these communities and generally the Muslim society living in Lamu while the security incidents were rampant in Mpeketoni.

Last weekend, Lamu leaders led by Governor Issa Timamy and Senator Abu Chiaba complained about the effects of the curfew and called for arrangements that would promote business, including tourism, in parts of the county.