Lamu Civil Society Demands Answers as Disappearances Stoke Fear in Kiunga

By Reporter

A wave of fear and tension has gripped the border township of Kiunga in Lamu County, as community leaders and civil society groups raise the alarm over a surge in enforced disappearances and alleged atrocities committed by security forces.

The growing crisis came to a head following demonstrations on Amu Island, spearheaded by human rights organizations Haki Afrika and Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI).

Residents are now issuing a fervent plea to the national government, demanding that security operations in the designated “Kiunga operation area” be conducted in strict adherence to the rule of law.

Mathias Shipeta, Haki Afrika’s Rapid Response Officer in his remarks called on the national government to avail Mohammed Omar a Kiunga resident and fisherman who was allegedly abducted two weeks ago by masked gunmen at his home.

“So far the security agents have been non responsive in its response to our inquiries as to the whereabouts of Mohammed Omar despite the family’s pleas for their kin to be availed for trial in case they are liable of any charge,” Shipeta said.

He further said that the Kenya being a country of rules and laws should have the security agents concerned that such disappearances can occur without alarm being raised with Kiunga being designated as an operation area.

Sentiments echoed by his counterpart Ali Fujo, Haki Afrika Programme Officer who stated security agents risk alienating the public if such attacks and disappearances continue unabated.

MUHURI Human Rights Defender Aisha Athman, called on the government to come clean over the forced disappearance of Mohammed Omar, which she added has been rife in the area.

Separately, Kiunga residents led by retired Senior Chief Atiki Mohammed and Lamu County’s Director for Peace building Shee Kupi presented a  memorandum to Lamu County Governor Issa Timamy which outlined grievances over heavy-handed security practices in Kiunga which have further led to economic disruptions in the area.

Shee Kupi further stated that an independent investigation needs to be established to address the recent bombing and kidnapping incident in Kiunga.