Groups raise alarm over terror attacks

Coast human rights organisations have blamed the government for failing to tame a wave of terrorist attacks in the region and called for heightened security operations in Lamu and Tana River counties to bring to an end the threat of Al-Shabaab.

The organisations, led by Haki Africa, expressed disappointment with the continued terror attacks in Lamu, and called for quick restoration of peace.

Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid regretted that the insecurity in parts of the coastal region is hindering social, economic and political well-being.

“We are deeply disturbed by the rising state insecurity at the Coast. We have also noted a rise in insecurity where marauding youth criminal gangs are on the loose and in areas like Lamu and Tana River terrorists continue to cause mayhem,” Khalid said.

He said as the world marks the International Day of Peace, analysis at grassroots has pointed to the high cost of living among many other factors forcing young jobless people into crime.

“We are asking the government to address the cost of living by providing other alternatives in cushioning Kenyans from the harsh economic situation even if it means by subsiding key commodities like fuel and basic food commodities,” said Khalid.

He further called on the government to also create jobs for the youth to keep them away from crime.
On his part, Haki Africa Director Yusuf Abubakar asked Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to crack down on the use of drugs and substance use and the arrest of drug barons.

Abubakar further asked the government to ensure human rights and rule of law is respected and upheld by security organs and officers.

“When there are threats, don’t expect the community to cooperate and share information, we also know when a security operation is launched, they tend to violate human rights, something we discourage,” said Abubakar.