Lamu Civil Societies Decry Forced Disappearances in Kiunga

By Fumo Mzalendo

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Tension and fear has gripped the border township of Kiunga in Lamu County as unexplained forced disappearances and security forces’ atrocities take precedent in lieu of rule of law.

Community leaders and civil society groups have raised the alarm over this surge saying it was disrupting their lives and livelihoods.

This comes in the wake of recent crises that sparked demonstrations on the Amu Island that were spearheaded by Haki Afrika and Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri).

Residents are pleading with the national government to intervene and monitor security operations at the designated “Kiunga area” so that they were conducted in strict adherence to the rule of law.

Mathias Shipeta, Haki Afrika’s rapid response officer, called on the national government to release a Kiunga resident and fisherman Mohammed Omar who was allegedly abducted two weeks ago at his homestead by masked gunmen.

“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,” he said.

He added that the Kenya being a country of rules and laws should also apply to security agents who must conduct their operations in accordance with the same.

Ali Fujo, a Haki Afrika programme officer, echoed the same sentiments saying security agents risked alienating the public if such attacks and disappearances continue unabated.

Muhuri defender Aisha Athman called on the government to come clean over the forced disappearance of Mohammed Omar adding such incidents were becoming a regular feature in the operations zone.

Separately, residents led by Kiunga retired senior chief Atiki Mohammed and county’s director for peace building Shee Kupi presented a memorandum to Lamu County Governor Issa Timamy that outlined grievances over security forces heavy-handed practices that was causing economic disruptions in the area.

The peace director called for independent investigations to establish who ordered the recent bombing and kidnapping incidents in Kiunga.