State warns of rising insecurity after murder of chiefs in Lamu

The national government has vowed to curb rising insecurity in Lamu East Constituency following last week's murder of two administrators.

Mbwajumwali Location Chief Mohammed Famau and Myabogi Assistant Chief Malik Athman were hacked to death by masked men.

Coast Regional Commissioner Joseph Elungata will today hold a public security baraza in Mbwajumwali to discuss the murders and rising insecurity in the area.

Yesterday, Lamu County Commissioner Irungu Macharia said it will no longer be business as usual in light of the recent killings of public officials that has so far claimed three chiefs from the same area in a span of four years.

A Kenya Red Cross volunteer, Akina Bakari, who was in the forefront in the fight against drugs was killed by unknown assailants who had covered their faces. Ms Bakari's killers have never been arrested nine months later.

In July, police constable Stephen Anunda was murdered in the same area. His decomposing body was found dumped in a thicket at Kizingitini, some kilometres from Situation area. Anunda was killed as he was reporting to work at 5am, no leads have been forthcoming.

Coast Interfaith chairman Mohammed Abidkadir condemned the killings, saying it was unfortunate that criminals from a small village in Lamu could taint the county’s image.

“It is taboo to kill, especially in this instance when criminals can resort to killing its leaders in cold blood,” Abdikadir said.

Muhuri Kenya Lamu officer Habib Ali said the State must rein in on gangs.